Identification tag for pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly

ABSTRACT

A pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly ( 10 ) comprises a waste receiver ( 212 ) that receives pharmaceutical waste, the waste receiver ( 212 ) including a radio frequency identification tag ( 200 ) that is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal that identifies the waste receiver ( 212 ). The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly ( 10 ) can further comprise a receiver retainer ( 1516 ) that selectively receives the waste receiver ( 212 ). The radio frequency identification tag ( 200 ) is configured to transmit the radio frequency signal that is usable to track a location of the waste receiver ( 212 ) regardless of whether or not the waste receiver ( 212 ) is positioned within the receiver retainer ( 1516 ). The receiver retainer ( 1516 ) can include an identification reader ( 1500 ) that reads the radio frequency signal and is configured to store information from the radio frequency signal that inhibits use of the waste receiver ( 212 ) following removal from and repositioning into the receiver retainer ( 1516 ).

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application and claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 on co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/981,281, filed on Dec. 29, 2010. To the extent permitted, thecontents of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/981,281 are incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The disposal of pharmaceutical waste has long been a concern of those inthe medical care industry. Pharmaceutical waste can include both liquidsand solids, such as expired medicines, partially filled vials,compounded IV's, broken or spilled materials, undispensed compoundedproducts, discontinued indated items, unused unit dosed items, unusedIV's, patients' personal medications, and certain hazardous wastematerials, to name a few. Further, pharmaceutical waste can be “raw”,such that the waste does not include any sort of container or packaging,or the waste can be contained in a container such as a bottle, vial,bag, dispenser, syringe, or any other type of packaging. By way ofexample and not of limitation, raw waste can include various liquidssuch as the fluid from a syringe, bag or bottle, or solids such aspills, capsules, powders, patches, etc. Ensuring that such waste doesnot wind up in the hands of unauthorized personnel, migrate to ourwaterways or bodies of water, or that illegal diversion does not occur,has been of primary importance not only in the pharmaceutical/medicalindustry, but in the environmental field as well. Currently, theResource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) provides strict mandates forwaste disposal and/or management. In fact, failure to comply with theseRCRA regulations can result in the imposition of sizable monetary fines.

Hazardous waste, which includes chemicals or formulations deemed to beso detrimental to the environment that they must be segregated forspecial waste management, cannot legally be sewered or landfilled.Importantly, a number of relatively common drug entities andpharmaceutical formulations meet the definition of hazardous waste. Asnon-exclusive examples, drugs such as epinephrine, nitroglycerin,warfarin, nicotine and various chemotherapy agents fall into thishazardous waste category. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)defines characteristics of hazardous waste, including ignitability,toxicity, corrosivity and reactivity. Under conventional disposalmethods, the acceptable means by which pharmaceutical waste may bedisposed and treated are dependent upon the specific type of waste.

Historically, pharmaceutical waste has been disposed of by a variety ofmeans including disposal in waste regions, sharps containers, seweringor incineration, to name a few. However, hospital incinerators arebecoming much less preferred, and shipment of the waste to outside wastedisposal firms may be required. Unfortunately, a substantial amount ofsolid or liquid pharmaceutical waste in a hospital setting is wrongfullydeposited into biohazardous sharps containers, which are designed forreceiving used/contaminated syringes and/or hypodermic needles.Alternatively, pharmaceutical waste is simply thrown in the trash ordumped down a drain, rather than utilizing a dedicated pharmaceuticalwaste system.

Attempts to address these issues have not been altogether satisfactory.For example, some relatively expensive waste receiver systems requirethat the waste drug remain in its original bar-coded container, whichmay be impractical in certain situations, such as raw waste.Additionally, utilizing dozens or even hundreds of these types of wastedisposal systems in a hospital can be cost-prohibitive. Further, thesize of these types of waste disposal systems may make providing such asystem at each point of use around a health care facility unfeasible.Moreover, such systems can be relatively heavy and difficult to move,and can take up a substantial amount of valuable floor space in ahospital, for example.

Still further, in an attempt to save money, some people may endeavor toreuse pharmaceutical waste containers. Unfortunately, such attempts maybe undertaken without the proper and necessary thorough cleaning of thepharmaceutical waste containers to remove all prior remnants ofpharmaceutical waste. This can lead to the improper and potentiallydangerous mixing of pharmaceutical wastes.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed toward a pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly comprising a waste receiver that receives pharmaceutical waste,the waste receiver including a radio frequency identification tag thatis configured to transmit a radio frequency signal that identifies thewaste receiver.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly furthercomprises a receiver retainer that selectively receives the wastereceiver. In one such embodiment, the radio frequency identification tagis configured to transmit the radio frequency signal that is usable totrack a location of the waste receiver regardless of whether or not thewaste receiver is positioned within the receiver retainer. In anothersuch embodiment, the receiver retainer includes an identification readerthat reads the radio frequency signal to identify the waste receiver. Insuch embodiment, the identification reader can be configured to storeinformation from the radio frequency signal that inhibits use of thewaste receiver following removal from and repositioning into thereceiver retainer.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly further comprises an identification reader that is configuredto read the radio frequency signal to track a location of the wastereceiver. In one such embodiment, wherein the pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly further comprises a receiver retainer that selectivelyreceives the waste receiver, the identification reader can be positionedremotely from the waste receiver and the receiver retainer.

Further, in one embodiment wherein the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly includes a receiver retainer that selectively retains the wastereceiver, the pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly further comprises areceiver indicator that generates a removal alert signal when it isappropriate to remove the waste receiver from the receiver retainer. Inanother such embodiment, the pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly canfurther comprise a receiver indicator that generates a reuse alertsignal when a previously removed waste receiver is repositioned into thereceiver retainer. Moreover, in one such embodiment, the pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly can further comprise a timer activator thatautomatically activates a timer when the waste receiver is positionedwithin the receiver retainer.

It should be understood that the above features can be usedinterchangeably and/or combined as desired. For example, in oneembodiment, the pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly can include atimer activator that automatically activates a timer when the wastereceiver is positioned within the receiver retainer, and a receiverindicator that generates a removal alert signal when it is appropriateto remove the waste receiver from the receiver retainer. Additionally,in one embodiment, the removal alert signal is generated when the timerindicates that the waste receiver has been positioned within thereceiver retainer for a predetermined length of time.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the radio frequency identification tagis an active identification tag that is configured to autonomouslytransmit the radio frequency signal. Alternatively, in one embodiment,the radio frequency identification tag is a passive identification tagthat requires an external source to provoke transmission of the radiofrequency signal.

In certain embodiments, the present invention is further directed towarda pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly comprising (i) a waste receiverthat receives pharmaceutical waste, the waste receiver including a radiofrequency identification tag that is configured to transmit a radiofrequency signal; and (ii) an identification reader that is configuredto read the radio frequency signal to identify the waste receiver.

Further, the present invention is also directed toward a pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly comprising (A) a waste receiver that receivespharmaceutical waste, the waste receiver including a radio frequencyidentification tag that is configured to transmit a radio frequencysignal; (B) a receiver retainer that selectively receives the wastereceiver; (C) a timer activator that automatically activates a timerwhen the waste receiver is positioned within the receiver retainer; (D)an identification reader that is configured to read the radio frequencysignal to perform one of (i) tracking a location of the waste receiverregardless of whether or not the waste receiver is positioned within thereceiver retainer; (ii) storing information from the radio frequencysignal that inhibits use of the waste receiver following removal fromand repositioning into the receiver retainer; and (iii) identifying whenit is appropriate to remove the waste receiver from the receiverretainer; and (E) a receiver indicator that (i) generates a removalalert signal when it is appropriate to remove the waste receiver fromthe receiver retainer, and (ii) generates a reuse alert signal when apreviously removed waste receiver is repositioned within the receiverretainer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly having features of the present invention,illustrated in an open position, including a fluid waste receiver, asolid waste receiver and a receiver retainer;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly shown in FIG. 1A, illustrated in a closed position;

FIG. 1C is an exploded view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the fluid wastereceiver having features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the fluid waste receiver illustratedin FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the fluid wastereceiver taken on line 4A-4A in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid waste receiver taken online 4B-4B in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment ofthe fluid waste receiver;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another embodimentof the fluid waste receiver;

FIGS. 4E-4J are various cross-sectional views of non-exclusivealternative embodiments of a portion of the fluid waste receiver;

FIG. 4K is a side view of another embodiment of a portion of the fluidwaste receiver;

FIG. 5A is a partial cutaway view of another embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5B is a partial cutaway view of yet another embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the solid wastereceiver having features of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation of the solid waste receiver illustrated inFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the solid wastereceiver taken on line 8-8 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of yet another embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the receiverretainer;

FIG. 11A is a simplified top view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly, including the receiver retainer shown in FIG. 10, illustratedin the closed position;

FIG. 11B is a simplified top view of a portion of one embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly illustrated in FIG. 10,illustrated in the open position;

FIG. 12 is a simplified top view of another embodiment of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly including the receiver retainer,illustrated in the closed position;

FIG. 13 is a simplified top view of one embodiment of a portion of thereceiver retainer, illustrated in the open position;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of another embodiment of the receiverretainer;

FIG. 15 is a front elevation of yet another embodiment of the receiverretainer, with various internal components illustrated in phantom;

FIG. 16 is a front elevation of yet another embodiment of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17A is a front view of one embodiment of the pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly including a mounting apparatus, and a simplifiedrepresentation of the receiver retainer (illustrated in phantom) engagedwith the mounting apparatus;

FIG. 17B is a top view of the mounting apparatus illustrated in FIG.17A;

FIG. 17C is a side elevation of the mounting apparatus illustrated inFIG. 17A, and one simplified embodiment of the receiver retainer(illustrated in phantom) engaged with the mounting apparatus; and

FIG. 17D is a detailed side view of a portion of the mounting apparatusengaged with a portion of the receiver retainer.

FIG. 18A is a front perspective view of still another embodiment of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly having features of the presentinvention, including a receiver assembly;

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly taken on line B-B in FIG. 18A;

FIG. 18C is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the receiverassembly;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation of another embodiment of a portion of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a front elevation of still another embodiment of a portion ofa pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly having features of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a first surface, a second surface, andan embodiment of a cancellation feature usable as part of the presentinvention;

FIG. 22B is a side view of the first surface, the second surface and thecancellation feature illustrated in FIG. 22A, with a portion of thecancellation feature illustrated in phantom;

FIG. 22C is a another perspective view of the first surface, the secondsurface and the cancellation feature illustrated in FIG. 22A;

FIG. 23A is a front elevation view of the second cancellation memberillustrated in FIG. 22A, with the second cancellation member shown in apre-engaged configuration;

FIG. 23B is a rear elevation view of the second cancellation memberillustrated in FIG. 22A, with the second cancellation member shown inthe pre-engaged configuration;

FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional view of the second cancellation membertaken on line 23C-23C in FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24A is a front elevation view of the second cancellation memberillustrated in FIG. 22A, with the second cancellation member shown in apost-engaged configuration;

FIG. 24B is a rear elevation view of the second cancellation memberillustrated in FIG. 22A, with the second cancellation member shown inthe post-engaged configuration; and

FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional view of the second cancellation membertaken from line C-C in FIG. 24A.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly 10 (also sometimes referred to herein as a“disposal assembly”), shown in an open position. In one embodiment, thedisposal assembly 10 provides a means for disposing of fluid and/orsolid pharmaceutical and/or medical waste (generically referred toherein as “waste”) which can ultimately be incinerated or otherwisetreated and/or permanently disposed of. The design of the disposalassembly 10 can vary depending upon the specific application and/orlocation of the disposal assembly 10. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A, the disposal assembly 10 includes a fluid waste receiver 12, asolid waste receiver 14 and a receiver retainer 16.

In this embodiment, the fluid waste receiver 12 can receive waste in aliquid and/or a gaseous phase of matter. The design of the fluid wastereceiver 12, including the size, volume, shape and specific materialsthat form the fluid waste receiver 12, can vary depending upon thedesign requirements of the disposal assembly 10. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1A, the fluid waste receiver 12 includes a fluidreceiver cap 18 and a fluid receiver body 19 (also sometimes referred toherein as “receiver body”). The fluid receiver cap 18 covers a fluidreceiver opening (not illustrated in FIG. 1A) which provides access intoan interior of the fluid waste receiver 12. In one embodiment, the fluidreceiver cap 18 can be a tamper-resistant, locking cap that ispositioned on the fluid waste receiver 12 once the fluid waste receiver12 has reached a predetermined capacity or weight of fluid waste, hasbeen in use for a predetermined duration of time, or is otherwisedetermined to be no longer suitable for receiving fluid waste. Forexample, the fluid receiver cap 18 can include a one-way ratchet ringthat interlocks with the fluid receiver body 19.

The fluid receiver body 19 is configured to receive fluid waste that isdeposited into the fluid waste receiver 12. The fluid receiver body 19can be formed from any suitably durable materials. In one embodiment,the fluid receiver body 19 can be formed from a durable injection-moldedplastic material. Alternatively, the fluid receiver body 19 can beformed from fiberglass, glass, ceramic, various metals, a compositematerial, or a combination thereof, as non-exclusive examples. In oneembodiment, the material that forms the fluid receiver body 19 can beclear or otherwise see-through to allow a user to observe the level ofwaste within the fluid waste receiver 12. Alternatively, the materialthat forms the fluid receiver body 19 can be opaque or otherwisenon-see-through.

In one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver 12 can have a capacity ofapproximately 2.0 liters. Alternatively, the fluid waste receiver 12 canhave a capacity of greater than or less than 2.0 liters. It isrecognized that the capacity of the fluid waste receiver 12 can becommensurate with the purpose and/or location of the disposal assembly10. For example, the disposal assembly 10 that is used inside of apatient's room can have a fluid waste receiver 12 with a relativelysmall capacity. Conversely, the disposal assembly 10 that is used in apharmacy may have a fluid waste receiver 12 with a relatively largecapacity.

The solid waste receiver 14 receives waste in a solid phase of matter.The design of the solid waste receiver 14, including the size, volume,shape and specific materials that form the solid waste receiver 14, canvary depending upon the design requirements of the disposal assembly 10.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the solid waste receiver 14includes a solid receiver cap 20 that can be substantially similar tothe fluid receiver cap 18 previously described. In one embodiment, thesolid receiver cap 20 can be a tamper-resistant, locking cap that ispositioned on the solid waste receiver 14 once the solid waste receiver14 has reached a predetermined capacity or weight of solid waste, hasbeen in use for a predetermined duration of time, or is otherwisedetermined to be no longer suitable for receiving solid waste.

In one embodiment, the solid waste receiver 14 can have a capacity ofapproximately 1.0 liter. Alternatively, the solid waste receiver 14 canhave a capacity of greater than or less than 1.0 liter. Somewhat similarto the fluid waste receiver 12, it is recognized that the capacity ofthe solid waste receiver 14 can be commensurate with the purpose and/orlocation of the disposal assembly 10. For example, the disposal assembly10 that is used inside of a patient's room can have a solid wastereceiver 14 with a relatively small capacity. Conversely, the disposalassembly 10 that is used in a pharmacy may have a solid waste receiver14 with a relatively large capacity.

The solid waste receiver 14 includes a solid receiver body 21 thatcontains the solid waste. The solid receiver body 21 can be formed fromany suitably durable materials. In one embodiment, the solid receiverbody 21 can be formed from a durable plastic material. Alternatively,the solid receiver body 21 can be formed from glass, ceramic, variousmetals, or a composite material, as non-exclusive examples. In oneembodiment, the material that forms the solid receiver body 21 can beclear or otherwise see-through to allow a user to observe the level ofwaste within the solid waste receiver 14. Alternatively, the materialthat forms the solid receiver body 21 can be opaque or otherwisenon-see-through.

In one embodiment, the solid waste receiver 14 is a separate structurefrom the fluid waste receiver 12. In an alternative embodiment, thesolid waste receiver 14 and the fluid waste receiver 12 can beintegrated and formed as a unitary structure.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the receiver retainer 16retains the fluid waste receiver 12 and the solid waste receiver 14. Inan alternative embodiment (not shown), the receiver retainer 16 canretain either the fluid waste receiver 12 or the solid waste receiver14. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the receiver retainer 16includes a retainer housing 22 including one or more retainer side walls24, a retainer base 26 and a retainer lid 28. In one embodiment, theretainer housing 22 includes four retainer side walls 24, although it isrecognized that the retainer housing 22 can include any suitable numberof retainer side walls 24. Further, although the retainer housing 22illustrated in FIG. 1A has a rectangular configuration, it is understoodthat the retainer housing 22 can have another suitable configuration,such as cylindrical, triangular, pyramidal, rhomboidal or any othersuitable three-dimensional polygonal configuration.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, one or more of the retainerside walls 24 can include one or more viewing windows 30 to allow a userto view a fluid waste level 33F and/or a solid waste level 33S in thecorresponding waste receiver 12, 14. This design provides an alternativeor backup means for determining whether the particular waste receiver12, 14 needs to be removed and replaced based on the amount of waste inthe waste receiver 12, 14.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the retainer base 26 caninclude various indicator devices to inform the user of certain usefulinformation. For example, in one embodiment, the retainer base 26 caninclude a charged battery indicator 32 and/or a low battery indicator34. These indicators 32, 34 can be in the form of lights, audibleindicators, digital readouts, gauges, or any other suitable type ofindicator. These indicators 32, 34 automatically activate depending uponthe charge status of a electrochemical cell structure 68 e.g., battery(illustrated in FIG. 1C).

The retainer base 26 may also include one or more fluid waste receiverindicators 36 (only one fluid receiver indicator 36 is illustrated inFIG. 1A) and/or one or more solid waste receiver indicators 38 (only onesolid receiver indicator 38 is illustrated in FIG. 1A). The purpose forand number of the waste receiver indicators 36, 38 can vary. Forexample, the waste receiver indicators 36, 38 can alert the user that apredetermined capacity and/or weight of one or both of the wastereceivers 12, 14 has been reached or exceeded. Alternatively, or inaddition, the indicators 36, 38 can alert the user that a predetermineddate and/or time has arrived, which can signal a requirement orrecommendation for immediate or imminent removal and/or replacement ofone or both of the waste receivers 12, 14. The indicators 36, 38 can bein the form of one or more lights, audible alerts, digital readouts,gauges, or any other suitable type of indicator for providing a userwith certain useful information pertaining to one or more of the wastereceivers 12, 14 and/or their contents. Additionally, although twoindicators 36, 38 are illustrated in FIG. 1A, additional waste receiverindicators can be included.

As one non-exclusive example, in the event that the maximum time thefluid waste receiver 12 can be utilized is 90 days, one of theindicators 36, 38 can be activated a predetermined number of days beforeexpiration of the 90 day period, i.e. 15 days prior, in order to providesufficient time for the fluid waste receiver 12 to be removed, cappedand shipped to the appropriate location for incineration or otherpermanent disposal. It is recognized that this example is provided forease of understanding only, and is not intended to limit in any mannerthe time frames pertaining to usage of the indicators 36, 38. Forinstance, the maximum time can be greater or less than 90 days.Furthermore, activation of one of the indicators 36, 38 can occurgreater than or less than 15 days prior to such expiration.

In certain embodiments, the disposal assembly 10 can include acontroller 31 (illustrated in FIG. 1C) that can be retained in theretainer base 26. The controller 31 controls and or monitors variousfunctions of the disposal assembly 10, including the activation of theindicators 32, 34 and/or the indicators 36, 38, as non-exclusiveexamples. In various non-exclusive embodiments, the controller 31 caninclude one or more types of electronics, printed circuit boards,integrated circuits, time-keeping devices and weight detection and/ormonitoring devices, as described in greater detail herein. In addition,or in the alternative, the controller 31 can include one or more powersupplies, such as electrochemical cell structures (not illustrated inFIG. 1A) that may be useful in providing power to the disposal assembly10.

In one embodiment, the retainer lid 28 is movably secured to one of theretainer side walls 24, and can protect the contents of the retainerhousing 22. Further, the retainer lid 28 selectively inhibits tamperingor removal of the contents of the retainer housing 22. The retainer lid28 can selectively be moved from the open position as illustrated inFIG. 1A to a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The receiverretainer 16 can include a locking mechanism 1456 (illustrated in FIG.14, for example) that allows the retainer lid 28 to be locked in placein the closed position. The retainer lid 28 can be hinged to one of theretainer side walls 24 with one or more hinges 40 (three hinges 40 areillustrated in FIG. 1A). Alternatively, other suitable structures knownto those skilled in the art can movably secure the retainer lid 28 toone of the retainer side walls 24. Still alternatively, the retainer lid28 can be completely removable from the retainer housing 22 such thatthe retainer lid 28 is not permanently secured to one of the retainerside walls 24.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the retainer lid 28 includesan inner surface 39 and an opposing outer surface 41. The inner surface39 is only visible when the receiver retainer 16 is in the openposition, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the retainerlid 28 includes a lid top 43 and one or more lid apertures (two lidapertures 42A, 42B, are illustrated in FIG. 1A). The lid apertures 42A,42B, allow fluid waste and/or solid waste to be deposited into one ofthe waste receivers 12, 14, from outside of the disposal assembly 10. Inthis embodiment, the lid apertures 42A, 42B, are positioned in, andextend through, the lid top 43. Alternatively, the lid apertures 42A,42B, can be positioned on another surface of the retainer lid 28.

In one embodiment, one or more of the lid apertures 42A, 42B, can eachinclude a waste guide 44A, 44B that assists in directing the specificphase of waste (solid, liquid or gas) to the appropriate waste receiver12, 14. In non-exclusive embodiments, the waste guide 44A, 44B, caninclude a standard funnel-type device, a spiral funnel, or a series ofdiverters that guide the waste to the appropriate waste receiver 12, 14.The waste guides 44A, 44B, can further inhibit or prevent wrongful,illegal or unwanted extraction of waste from inside the receiverretainer 16 and/or the waste receivers 12, 14 by inhibiting or impedinghands or other objects from entering the interior of the retainerhousing 22 and/or the waste receivers 12, 14 when the receiver retainer16 is in the closed position.

The retainer housing 22 can also include one or more dividers 46 thatcompartmentalize the interior of the receiver retainer 16 for holdingthe waste receivers 12, 14, the receiver caps 18, 20, or otherstructures within the retainer housing 22. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1A, the dividers 46 can divide the interior of the receiverretainer 16 into compartments including a fluid cap compartment 48 and asolid cap compartment 50. The receiver caps 18, 20 can be placed intotheir respective compartments 48, 50, in an untethered manner, or thereceiver caps 18, 20, can be tethered to their respective waste receiver12, 14, so that the receiver caps 18, 20, are not lost or otherwiseinadvertently (and permanently) separated from their respective wastereceivers 12, 14. Once one of the waste receivers 12, 14, is deemed tohave expired, has reached a predetermined fill level, or otherwise needsto be removed from the receiver retainer 16, the corresponding receivercap 18, 20, is positioned on the waste receiver 12, 14, for transportand/or further processing, such as by incineration as one non-exclusiveexample.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the receiver retainer 16 alsoincludes one or more waste receiver liners 52, 54. In this embodiment,the fluid waste receiver 12 can be positioned within a fluid wastereceiver liner 52, and the solid waste receiver 14 can be positionedwithin a solid waste receiver liner 54. The waste receiver liners 52, 54inhibit waste that may have been inadvertently spilled, or overflowwaste, from coming into contact with the retainer housing 22, thecontroller 31, or other structures that may potentially be damaged bydirect contact with the waste. One or more of the waste receiver liners52, 54 can be fixedly in position within the retainer housing 22.Alternatively, one or more of the waste receiver liners 52, 54 can beremovable from the retainer housing 22. Still alternatively, the wastereceiver liners 52, 54 can be omitted from the receiver retainer 16.

It is important to note that in FIG. 1A and many of the other Figures,various structures are not necessarily shown to scale so that allstructures may be adequately represented and visualized.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A, illustrated in a closed position. Inthis embodiment, the outer surface 41 of the retainer lid 28 is visible,but the inner surface 39 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) is within the interiorof the receiver retainer 16. Further, in this embodiment, the lidapertures 42A, 42B, and the waste guides 44A, 44B, are likewise visibleand accessible from the exterior of the receiver retainer 16. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the receiver retainer 16 includes afluid waste diverter 58 that diverts waste through one of the lidapertures 42A, 42B, which may otherwise not have been properly aimed ator into one of the lid apertures 42A, 42B. In this embodiment, the wastediverter 58 is positioned at least partially around the lid aperture42A, which is designed to receive fluid waste. However, it is understoodthat the fluid waste diverter 58 could have also or alternatively beenpositioned at least partially around the lid aperture 42B to guardagainst errant solid waste not being received by the lid aperture 42B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the retainer lid 28 includes atop surface 59 that is substantially planar. In one embodiment, the topsurface 59 can be angled toward the user to allow easier deposition offluids and solids into the disposal assembly 10. Alternatively, the topsurface 59 can be flat, i.e. perpendicular to one or more of theretainer side walls 24 (two side walls 24 are illustrated in FIG. 1B).Still alternatively, the top surface 59 can be angled away from a user,or can be angled to one side or another. In another embodiment, the topsurface 59 can have a non-planar configuration, i.e. curved,multi-faceted, etc.

FIG. 1C is an exploded view of one embodiment of a disposal assembly10C. In this embodiment, the disposal assembly 10C includes a fluidwaste receiver 12C, a solid waste receiver 14C and a receiver retainer16C. The positioning of the fluid waste receiver 12C and the solid wastereceiver 14C relative to the receiver retainer 16C can vary from thatshown in FIG. 1C. In this embodiment, the fluid waste receiver 12Cincludes a fluid receiver guide 62 also sometimes referred to herein as“receiver guide”) that guides the fluid waste into the fluid receiverbody 19C. The fluid receiver guide 62 can include a standard funnel-typedevice, a spiral funnel, or a series of diverters. The fluid receiverguide 62 can further inhibit or prevent wrongful, illegal or unwantedextraction of waste from inside the fluid waste receiver 12C byinhibiting or impeding hands or other objects from entering the fluidreceiver body 19C. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the fluidreceiver guide 62 can include a fluid distributor 64 that directlydistributes and/or disperses fluid to different levels within the fluidwaste receiver 12C, as described in greater detail herein.Alternatively, the fluid receiver guide 62 and the fluid distributor 64can be separate and/or spaced-apart structures within the fluid wastereceiver 12C.

The solid waste receiver 14C includes a solid receiver guide 67 thatguides the fluid waste into the solid receiver body 21C. The solidreceiver guide 67 can include a standard funnel-type device, a spiralfunnel, or a series of diverters. The solid receiver guide 67 canfurther inhibit or prevent wrongful, illegal or unwanted extraction ofwaste from inside the solid waste receiver 14C by inhibiting or impedinghands or other objects, from entering the solid receiver body 21C.

The receiver retainer 16C includes a retainer housing 22C, a retainerbase 26C, and a retainer lid 28C having a waste diverter 58C, which aresubstantially similar to those previously described. The disposalassembly 10C also includes a controller 31 which can control and/ormonitor various functions of the disposal assembly 10C, including theactivation of the indicators 32, 34 (illustrated in FIG. 1A) and/or theindicators 36, 38 (illustrated in FIG. 1A), as non-exclusive examples.In various non-exclusive embodiments, the controller 31 can include oneor more types of electronics, printed circuit boards, integratedcircuits, time-keeping devices and weight detection and/or monitoringdevices, as described in greater detail herein. In addition, or in thealternative, the controller 31 can include one or more power supplies,such as electrochemical cell structures 68 that may be useful inproviding power to the disposal assembly 10C. In one embodiment, thecontroller 31 can be a separate, removable structure that can be removedin the event of a malfunction, for the purpose of upgrading/updating thecontroller 31, to service the controller 31, or once the controller 31reaches the end of its useful life.

In this embodiment, the retainer lid 28C includes one or more lidapertures (two lid apertures 42AC, 42BC, are illustrated in FIG. 1C).The lid apertures 42AC, 42BC function substantially in the same manneras those previously described herein, allowing fluid waste and/or solidwaste to be deposited into one of the waste receivers 12C, 14C, fromoutside of the disposal assembly 10C. In this embodiment, the lidapertures 42AC, 42BC, are positioned in, and extend through, the lid top43.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the lid apertures 42AC, 42BC,each includes a corresponding waste guide 44AC, 44BC that assists indirecting the specific phase of waste (solid, liquid or gas) to theappropriate waste receiver 12C, 14C. The waste guides 44AC, 44BC caninclude a standard funnel-type device, a spiral funnel, or a series ofdiverters that guide the waste to the appropriate waste receiver 12C,14C, in a manner substantially similar or identical to that previouslydescribed herein.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the receiver retainer 16C alsoincludes one or more waste receiver liners 52C, 54C, describedpreviously herein. Further, in this embodiment, the disposal assembly10C can also include a retainer sleeve 60 that encircles at least aportion of the retainer housing 22C. The retainer sleeve 60 can beformed from various plastic materials or other synthetic materials,metal, various composites, or any other suitable materials. The sleevecan provide added sheer strength to the disposal assembly 10C and/or canprovide a decorative surface that is aesthetically pleasing in ahospital or health care facility setting.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a fluid waste receiver212 including the fluid receiver cap 218 and the fluid receiver body219. The specific configuration of the fluid receiver body 219 of thefluid waste receiver 212 can vary depending upon the design requirementsof the disposal assembly 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,the fluid receiver body 219 has a somewhat rectangular shape.Alternatively, the fluid receiver body 219 can be conical,frustoconical, cubical, spherical, pyramidal, or can have any othersuitable shape.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the fluid waste receiver 212illustrated in FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the fluid waste receiver 212 hascurved, e.g., radiused, corners and edges. Additionally, in thisembodiment, the fluid waste receiver 212 includes an identification tag200. In one embodiment, the identification tag 200 can be used inconjunction with an identification reader 1500 (illustrated in FIG. 15)that is positioned on another structure of the disposal assembly 1510,such as the receiver retainer 1516 (illustrated in FIG. 15, forexample), as set forth in greater detail below. In one embodiment, theidentification tag 200 can be a radio frequency identification (“RFID”)tag. In addition, or in the alternative, the identification tag 200 caninclude a barcode label, a printed serial number, an integrated circuit,and/or any other suitable type of identifier of the particular fluidwaste receiver 212. In another embodiment, the identification tag 200can be used independently of any type of identification reader such thatthe identification tag 200 is used as a “stand alone” identifier of thefluid waste receiver 212.

The identification tag 200 can include an active RFID tag, which cancontain a battery and can transmit signals autonomously. Alternatively,the identification tag 200 can include a passive RFID tag, which canhave no battery and can require an external source to provoke signaltransmission. Still alternatively, the identification tag 200 caninclude a battery assisted passive (BAP) RFID tag, which can require anexternal source to wake up but have significant higher forward linkcapability providing greater range.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the fluid waste receiver 212A takenon line 4A-4A in FIG. 2, with the fluid receiver cap 218 (illustrated inFIG. 2) removed for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A,the fluid waste receiver 212A includes the identification tag 200(illustrated in FIG. 4B), a fluid receiver body 219, a fluid receiverguide 262, a fluid distributor 264A, a fluid absorber 270A, an absorberretainer 272, a fluid processor 274 and a fluid deodorizer 276. Thefluid receiver guide 262 is substantially similar or identical to thefluid receiver guide 62 previous described herein.

In certain embodiments, the fluid distributor 264A receives fluid wastevia the fluid receiver guide 262 and can directly distribute and/orallow the fluid waste to flow to one or more levels 270L, 270M, 270U ofthe fluid absorber 270A in a more even (e.g., non-random) manner, asillustrated by arrows 265. As used herein, the term “directlydistribute” means that migration of the fluid waste from one level 270L,270M, 270U to another is not necessary because due to its design, thefluid distributor 264A allows the fluid waste to initially enter thefluid absorber 270A at each of the levels 270L, 270M, 270U, rather thanat one single level. With this design, the fluid waste can more rapidlybe absorbed by the fluid absorber 270A, which inhibits puddling orponding of fluid waste within the fluid waste receiver 212A.

The shape and positioning of the fluid distributor 264A relative to thefluid waste receiver 212A can vary depending upon the designrequirements of the fluid waste receiver 212A. In one embodiment, thefluid distributor 264A can have a substantially tubular shape with acircular cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. Alternatively, thefluid distributor 264A can have a different shape and/or a differentcross-section. In alternative non-exclusive embodiments, for example,the fluid distributor 264A can have a conical, frustoconical, pyramidal,hourglass or other suitable shape. Further, in alternative non-exclusiveembodiments, the fluid distributor 264A can have an elliptical,triangular, square, hexagonal, or any other suitable polygonal orirregular cross-sectional shape in order to accomplish the desired fluiddistribution of the fluid waste to the fluid absorber 270A. In oneembodiment, the fluid distributor 264A can be formed from a durableplastic material. Alternatively, the fluid distributor 264A can beformed from another suitable material, such as metal, various compositematerials, glass, fiberglass, ceramic, or any other relatively durablematerials.

In addition, the extent to which the fluid distributor 264A extends intothe fluid waste receiver 212A can vary. For example, the fluiddistributor 264A need not extend all the way to a bottom of the fluidwaste receiver 212A as illustrated in FIG. 4A. Stated another way, thefluid distributor 264A has a length 201A that can be varied to suit thedesign requirements of the fluid waste receiver 212A. In one embodiment,the fluid distributor 264A can have a shorter length 201A relative tothe fluid waste receiver 212A than that illustrated in FIG. 4A.

In one embodiment, the fluid distributor 264A can include a plurality ofdistributor apertures 278A that enable the fluid waste to directly flowin accordance with the arrows 265 into the fluid absorber 270A atvarious vertical levels within the fluid waste receiver 212A. With thisdesign, the fluid distributor 264A acts as a temporary reservoir untilthe fluid waste moves through the distributor apertures 278A and is atleast partially or fully absorbed by the fluid absorber 270A. Further,the fluid distributor 264A can more evenly and directly distribute thefluid waste to various levels 270L, 270M, 270U of the fluid absorber270A, i.e. a lower level 270L, a middle level 270M and an upper level270U of the fluid absorber 270A. Stated another way, the fluiddistributor 264A inhibits any one level 270L, 270M, 270U within thefluid absorber 270A from having to absorb substantially more fluid wastethan any other level 270L, 270M, 270U. Further, the fluid distributor264A can inhibit the fluid waste from simply collecting on the upperlevel 270U of the fluid absorber 270A. Because the fluid distributor264A extends through at least a portion of the fluid absorber 270A, thefluid waste does not need to diffuse through the upper level 270U toreach the middle and lower levels 270M, 270L, resulting in more rapidabsorption of the fluid waste by the fluid absorber 270A.

As used herein, the term “levels” of the fluid absorber 270A refers tovertical levels that have relative positioning within the fluid receiverbody 219. For example, the lower level 270L is positioned adjacent toand/or near a receiver bottom 283 (illustrated in FIG. 4C). The upperlevel 270U is positioned furthest away from the receiver bottom 283,e.g., in one embodiment, adjacent to or near the absorber retainer 272.The middle level 270M is positioned between the lower level 270L and theupper level 270U. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, the fluiddistributor 264A extends downwardly from the fluid receiver guide 262 atleast partially, if not fully, through the various levels 270L, 270M,270U of the fluid absorber 270A.

The size, shape, density and number of distributor apertures 278A canvary depending upon the requirements of the fluid waste receiver 212Aand/or the shape and/or size of the fluid absorber 270A, and/or thematerial used to form the fluid absorber 270A. In one embodiment, all ofthe distributor apertures 278A are substantially similar in size and/orshape. In another embodiment, the sizes of the distributor apertures278A can be different depending upon their location on the fluiddistributor 264A. In still another embodiment, the density ofdistributor apertures 278A can be substantially similar over the length201A of the fluid distributor 264A. Alternatively, the density ofdistributor apertures 278A can vary over the length 201A of the fluiddistributor 264A. The foregoing embodiments are provided as examplesonly, and are not intended to be limiting in any manner. For example, inanother embodiment, one fluid distributor 264A can combine varyingsizes, shapes and densities of distributor apertures 278A.

In one embodiment, the fluid distributor 264A can include a distributorsleeve 279A that inhibits any portion of the fluid absorber 270A fromentering into the fluid distributor 264A through any of the distributorapertures 278A. The distributor sleeve 279A can include afluid-permeable material that wraps partially or fully around the fluiddistributor 264A to act as a fluid-permeable barrier between adistributor interior 277A of the fluid distributor 264A and the portionof the fluid receiver body 219 that contains the fluid absorber 270A.Importantly, the distributor sleeve 279A does not unduly impede fluidflow from the distributor interior 277A of the fluid distributor 264Aout through the distributor apertures 278A and into the fluid absorber270A. In one embodiment, the distributor sleeve 279A can be formed froma material such as a durable fabric-type material. Alternatively, thedistributor sleeve 279A can be formed from a plastic material, or anyother suitably durable, yet fluid-permeable, material.

The fluid absorber 270A absorbs fluid waste that enters the fluiddistributor 264A. In one embodiment, the fluid absorber 270A includes asolid material such as a super absorbent polymer (SAP), which can alsobe combined with additional fluff or fibrous materials, for example.Alternatively, the fluid absorber 270A can include other suitable,relatively absorbent materials. The material that forms the fluidabsorber 270A can also include antibacterial, antimicrobial, and/oranti-odor characteristics. In one embodiment, the fluid absorber 270Acan be impregnated with a silver or copper type of antibacterial and/orantimicrobial agent to reduce or eliminate the possibility of bacterialor fungal growth. In one embodiment, the fluid absorber 270A can convertthe fluid waste to a gelatinous or solid material that is less likely tospill or leak from the fluid waste receiver 212A.

The absorber retainer 272 maintains the positioning of the fluidabsorber 270A within the fluid waste receiver 212A. In one embodiment,the absorber retainer 272 can include a fluid-permeable screen, such asa plastic or wire mesh screen. Alternatively, the absorber retainer 272can be a substantially fluid-impermeable layer. By maintaining theposition of the fluid absorber 270A, the absorber retainer 272 alsomaintains a gap region 280 within the fluid waste receiver 212A, andacts as a fluid permeable barrier between the fluid absorber 270A andthe gap region 280. Additionally, the gap region 280 acts as an overflowreservoir that holds unabsorbed fluid waste, if necessary, until thefluid waste can be absorbed by the fluid absorber 270A.

The fluid processor 274 can process the fluid waste in one or more ways.For example, the fluid processor 274 can include a deodorizer, anantimicrobial agent, an antibacterial agent and/or an antifungal agent.The fluid processor 274 can also include an upper solid waste filter282U and/or a lower solid waste filter 282L that inhibit or preventsolid waste, such as pills, capsules, syringes, needles, etc., orportions thereof, or particles from the fluid processor 274 fromentering into the fluid distributor 264A. Further, in certainembodiments, the solid waste filters 282U, 282L can act as an additionalbarrier to inhibit or prevent portions of the fluid absorber 270A fromexiting the fluid waste receiver 212 in the event the fluid wastereceiver is inverted. The solid waste filters 282U, 282L can include ascreen or mesh material, or another suitable fluid-permeable structure.

The fluid deodorizer 276 deodorizes the fluid waste that enters thefluid waste receiver 212A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, thefluid deodorizer 276 is secured to an upper portion of the fluidreceiver body 219 with one or more deodorizer fasteners 284. Thefasteners 284 can include pins, screws, or any other suitable fasteners.It is understood that in other embodiments, the fluid deodorizer 276 canbe positioned in other locations within the fluid waste receiver 212A,and that the example provided in FIG. 4A is only provided as oneworkable position for the fluid deodorizer 276, and is not intended tolimit the invention in any manner. In one embodiment, the fluiddeodorizer 276 can be somewhat similar to the material that forms thefluid processor 274. In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the fluiddeodorizer 276 can include a carbon-based filter, a scented deodorizer,or another suitable structure that performs the intended function ofdeodorizing the interior of the fluid receiver body 219.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the fluid waste receiver 212A takenon line 4B-4B in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the fluid distributor 264Ais substantially centrally positioned within the fluid receiver body219. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid distributor 264A can bepositioned off-center within the fluid receiver body 219. Stillalternatively, the fluid distributor 264 can include greater than onetubular (or other shaped) section that extends into the fluid absorber270A. Stated another way, the fluid distributor 264A can have aplurality of distributor branches (such as those illustrated in FIG. 4K,for example) that extend into the fluid absorber 270A. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4B, the fluid absorber 270A encircles or surroundsthe fluid distributor 264A to substantially fill a space between thefluid receiver body 219 and the distributor sleeve 279A of the fluiddistributor 264A. In an alternative embodiment, there may be voids orgaps between the fluid absorber 270A and the fluid receiver body 219. Inthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, the distributor apertures 278Aare positioned at various points around the circumference of the fluiddistributor 264A. It is understood, however, that the positioning ofdistributor apertures 278A can vary from that illustrated in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another embodiment ofthe fluid waste receiver 212C. In this embodiment, the fluid wastereceiver 212C is substantially similar to the fluid waste receiver 212Aillustrated in FIG. 4A, except for certain modifications noted herein.So as not to obscure the features described relative to FIG. 4C, many ofthe features of the fluid waste receiver 212A illustrated in FIG. 4Ahave been omitted from FIG. 4C.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4C, the fluid receiver 212Cincludes a receiver bottom 283 that supports the fluid absorber 270C. Inthis embodiment, the fluid distributor 264C extends from the fluidreceiver guide 262 to a point above the receiver bottom 283. Statedanother way, the fluid distributor 264C does not extend all the way tothe receiver bottom 283, but stops short of the receiver bottom 283.With this design, fluid waste can not only migrate out of thedistributor apertures 278C into the fluid absorber 270C, but the fluidwaste can also migrate out of the fluid distributor 264C through adistributor bottom 285 of the fluid distributor 264C. In one embodiment,the distributor bottom 285 can be partially or completely open, with theexception of the distributor sleeve 279C which may cover some or theentire distributor bottom 285 in a fluid-permeable manner. Therefore, inone embodiment, the distributor sleeve 279C can inhibit or prevent thematerial that forms the fluid absorber 270C from migrating in anupwardly direction into the fluid distributor 264C.

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of yet another embodimentof the fluid waste receiver 212D. In this embodiment, the fluid wastereceiver 212D includes an antimicrobial layer 251 that thinly coats atleast portions of one or more structures within the fluid waste receiver212D. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4D, theantimicrobial layer 251 can be positioned on one or more surfaces of thefluid receiver body 219, the fluid distributor 264D, the absorberretainer 272, the distributor sleeve 279D, and/or any other suitablesurface within the fluid waste receiver 212D. In one non-exclusiveembodiment, the antimicrobial layer 251 can be formed from materialsthat can disrupt the ability of germs and other bacteria from adheringto or reproducing on surfaces of the fluid waste receiver 212D. However,it is recognized that any suitable antimicrobial agent known to thoseskilled in the art can be used to form the antimicrobial layer 251.Further, the thickness of the antimicrobial layer 251 can vary asrequired to suit the design requirements of the fluid waste receiver212D based on knowledge of those skilled in the art. In one embodiment,the thickness of the antimicrobial layer 251 can be one micron or less.Alternatively, the thickness of the antimicrobial layer 251 can bewithin the range of 1-500 microns, or greater.

FIG. 4E is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212E, including the fluid receiver guide 262Eand the fluid distributor 264E. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264E includes a plurality of substantially oval orelliptical distributor apertures 278E that increase in size along thelength 201E of the fluid distributor 264E in the direction from thefluid receiver guide 262E toward the distributor bottom 285E. With thisdesign, a greater volume of the fluid waste is directed toward the lowerlevel 270L (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A(illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example), and a lesser volume is directedtoward the upper level 270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluidabsorber 270A. Although in this embodiment, the distributor apertures278E are shown as being substantially evenly spaced and similar inshape, it is understood that the distributor apertures 278E can bedissimilar in shape and/or unevenly spaced, and/or can have a differentshape than that illustrated in FIG. 4E. In an alternative embodiment(not shown), the distributor apertures 278E can decrease in size alongthe length 201E of the fluid distributor 264E in the direction from thefluid receiver guide 262E toward the distributor bottom 285E.

FIG. 4F is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212F, including the fluid receiver guide 262Fand the fluid distributor 264F. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264F includes a plurality of substantially slit-shapeddistributor apertures 278F that are substantially similar in size, butare more dense, e.g., more numerous, in the direction from the fluidreceiver guide 262F toward the distributor bottom 285F. Stated anotherway, a spacing between the distributor apertures 278F along a directionalong the length 201F of the fluid distributor 264F is non-uniform. Withthis design, a greater volume of the fluid waste is directed toward thelower level 270L (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A(illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example), and a lesser volume is directedtoward the upper level 270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluidabsorber 270A. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the distributorapertures 278F are less dense, e.g., less numerous, in the directionfrom the fluid receiver guide 262F toward the distributor bottom 285F.

FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212G, including the fluid receiver guide 262Gand the fluid distributor 264G. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264G includes a plurality of relatively small distributorapertures 278G that are substantially uniform in size over the length201G of the fluid distributor 264G. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264G can include a screen-like material that forms thedistributor apertures 278G. The distributor apertures 278G can be anysuitable size that can allow passage of fluid waste out of the fluiddistributor 264G and into the fluid absorber 270A (illustrated in FIG.4A, for example).

FIG. 4H is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212H, including the fluid receiver guide 262Hand the fluid distributor 264H. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264H includes a plurality of distributor apertures 278H thatincrease in number along the length 201H of the fluid distributor 264Hin the direction from the fluid receiver guide 262H toward thedistributor bottom 285H. Stated another way, a density of thedistributor apertures 278H is non-uniform in a direction along thelength 201H of the fluid distributor 264H. With this design, a greatervolume of the fluid waste is directed toward the lower level 270L(illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A (illustrated in FIG.4A, for example), and a lesser volume is directed toward the upper level270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A. In analternative embodiment (not shown), the distributor apertures 278H candecrease in number along the length 201H of the fluid distributor 264Hin the direction from the fluid receiver guide 262H toward thedistributor bottom 285H.

FIG. 4I is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212I, including the fluid receiver guide 262Iand the fluid distributor 264I. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264I flares out along the length 201I of the fluiddistributor 264I in a direction from the fluid receiver guide 262Itoward the distributor bottom 285I. Stated another way, the fluiddistributor 264I has an increasingly larger cross-sectional area movingfrom an upper portion 265UI toward a lower portion 265LI of the fluiddistributor 264I. In addition, the fluid distributor 264I can includegreater number of distributor apertures 278I along the length 201I ofthe fluid distributor 264I moving from the upper portion 265UI towardthe lower portion 265LI of the fluid distributor 264I. With this design,a greater volume of the fluid waste is directed toward the lower level270L (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A (illustrated inFIG. 4A, for example), and a lesser volume is directed toward the upperlevel 270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluid absorber 270A.

FIG. 4J is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofthe fluid waste receiver 212J, including the fluid receiver guide 262Jand the fluid distributor 264J. In this embodiment, the fluiddistributor 264J includes a plurality of distributor apertures 278J thatare substantially similar to those previously described relative to FIG.4G. However, in this embodiment, the fluid distributor 264J flares outalong the length 201J of the fluid distributor 264J moving from an upperportion 265UJ toward a lower portion 265LJ of the fluid distributor264J, somewhat similarly to the embodiment described relative to FIG.4I. With this design, a greater volume of the fluid waste is directedtoward the lower level 270L (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of the fluidabsorber 270A (illustrated in FIG. 4A, for example), and a lesser volumeis directed toward the upper level 270U (illustrated in FIG. 4A) of thefluid absorber 270A.

FIG. 4K is a side view of another embodiment of a portion of the fluidwaste receiver 212K, including the fluid receiver guide 262K and thefluid distributor 264K. In this embodiment, the fluid distributor 264Kincludes a plurality of distributor legs 287. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4K, the fluid distributor 264K includes threedistributor legs 287. However, in alternative embodiments, the fluiddistributor 264K can include fewer than three or greater than threedistributor legs 287. With this design, a greater and more evenlydistributed surface area of the fluid absorber 270 (illustrated in FIG.4A) can be directly accessible to the fluid waste exiting the fluiddistributor 264K via the distributor apertures 278K. In one embodiment,fluid waste can also emanate from the fluid distributor 264K via thedistributor bottom 285K of one or more of the distributor legs 287. Inone embodiment, the distributor legs 287 can have a substantiallysimilar length to one another. Alternatively, the distributor legs 287can have different lengths from one another.

FIG. 5A is a partial cutaway view of another embodiment of a disposalassembly 510A including a fluid waste receiver 512A. In this embodiment,the fluid waste receiver 512A is fully self-contained and is not used inconjunction with a separate receiver retainer (such as receiver retainer16 illustrated in FIG. 1A). Although not necessarily illustrated in FIG.5A, the fluid waste receiver 512A can include some or all of the samecomponents illustrated and described relative to FIGS. 2, 4A and 4B,including one or more of the fluid receiver guide 262, the fluiddistributor 264, the fluid processor 274 and the fluid deodorizer 276,which function substantially as described previously herein.

Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, the disposalassembly 510A includes a fluid receiver cap 518, a fluid receiver body519, a controller 531, a charged battery indicator 532, a low batteryindicator 534, a fluid waste receiver indicator 536, a fluid absorber570A, an absorber retainer 572A, and an gap region 580A, which functionsubstantially as previously described herein, with the exception ofcertain modifications provided below. Further, the disposal assembly510A can also include a timer activator 538, a fluid receiver bodyretainer 581 and one or more fluid waste receiver sensors 582A, 582B,582C, 582D.

In one embodiment, the fluid receiver body 519 positioned within and ismovable relative to the fluid receiver body retainer 581 in a directionillustrated by arrow 583. Movement of the fluid receiver body 519relative to the fluid receiver body retainer 581 only needs to beslight, and is dependent upon the weight of the contents of the fluidreceiver body 519, including any fluid waste which may be present withinthe fluid receiver body 519. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, afluid waste receiver sensor 582A is positioned between the fluidreceiver body 519 and the fluid receiver body retainer 581. In oneembodiment, the fluid waste receiver sensor 582A is a weight sensor,such as a load cell, for example. In this embodiment, as the weight ofthe fluid receiver body 519 and its contents increases, a greater forceis exerted on the weight sensor 582A.

In one embodiment, the weight sensor 582A can convert a predeterminedforce into an electrical signal, which causes the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 to activate. Activation of the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 can alert a user that the fluid waste has reached apredetermined percentage of the capacity of the fluid receiver body 519,and the user has a certain predetermined time period to place the fluidreceiver cap 518 on the fluid receiver body 519, which prepares thedisposal assembly 510A for disposal. In various embodiments, thepredetermined force required to activate the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 and/or the predetermined percentage of the capacity of thefluid receiver body 519 can be determined based upon variousrequirements of the specific regulations governing disposal of waste.Alternatively, the predetermined force required to activate the fluidwaste receiver indicator 536 and/or the predetermined percentage of thecapacity of the fluid receiver body 519 can be determined by the user,and can be programmed into the controller 531.

In one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver indicator 536 can beactivated by the fluid waste receiver sensor 582B. In this embodiment,the fluid waste receiver sensor 582B includes two or more electricalconductors 584A, 584B that form a circuit once the liquid waste hasreached a predetermined height (indicated by dashed line 585) within thefluid receiver body 519. Once the circuit has been formed, the fluidwaste receiver sensor 582B sends an electrical signal to the controller531, which then activates the fluid waste receiver indicator 536 toalert a user that the fluid waste has reached a predetermined percentageof the capacity of the fluid receiver body 519. At this point, in oneembodiment, the user would have a certain predetermined time period toplace the fluid receiver cap 518 on the fluid receiver body 519, whichprepares the disposal assembly 510A for disposal.

In another embodiment, the fluid waste receiver indicator 536 can beactivated by the fluid waste receiver sensor 582C. In this embodiment,as the fluid absorber 570A expands once a particular amount of fluidwaste has been absorbed by the fluid absorber 570A, the absorberretainer 572A will move in an upward direction as indicated by arrow586A. This upward movement generates a force against the fluid wastereceiver sensor 582C. Once a predetermined force has been achieved, thefluid waste receiver sensor 582C transmits an electrical signal to thecontroller 531. The controller 531 then activates the fluid wastereceiver indicator 536 to alert a user that the fluid waste has reacheda predetermined percentage of the capacity of the fluid receiver body519. At this point, in one embodiment, the user has a certainpredetermined time period to place the fluid receiver cap 518 on thefluid receiver body 519, which prepares the disposal assembly 510A fordisposal.

In this embodiment, the specific type of fluid waste receiver sensor582C can vary. In one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver sensor 582Ccan be a load cell. Alternatively, the fluid waste receiver sensor 582Ccan include one or more piezoelectric elements. Still alternatively,other types of sensors can be used that can transmit an electricalsignal based on mechanical movement of the absorber retainer 572A.

In one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver sensor 582D can be amoisture-sensitive visual indicator that changes color (e.g., white tored) once the fluid level has risen to the level of the fluid wastereceiver sensor 582D. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid wastereceiver sensor 582D can be positioned at a specific level that, upon acolor change of the fluid waste receiver sensor 582D, would indicate thefluid waste has reached a predetermined percentage of the capacity ofthe fluid receiver body 519. At this point, in one embodiment, the userwould have a certain predetermined time period to place the fluidreceiver cap 518 on the fluid receiver body 519, which prepares thedisposal assembly 510A for disposal.

The tinier activator 538 activates a timer within the controller 531.The positioning of the timer activator on or within the fluid wastereceiver 512A can vary to suit the design requirements of the disposalassembly 510A and/or the fluid waste receiver 512A. In one embodiment,the timer activator 538 starts a timer, such as a clock as onenon-exclusive example, that tracks the time until expiration of thefluid waste receiver 512A. The timer can be included as part of and/orembedded within the controller 531. Alternatively, the timer can beseparate from the controller 531, and can be maintained either withinthe fluid waste receiver 512A or remotely, outside of the fluid wastereceiver 512A. In certain alternative embodiments, the timer can bewirelessly connected or hardwired to the timer activator 538. In oneembodiment, the timer activator 538 can be manually activated by theuser once usage of the disposal assembly 510A has commenced, such as bymanually depressing a button, flipping a switch, or by another suitablemanual method. In an alternative embodiment, the timer activator 538 canbe automatically activated by some specific initiating event, such asremoval of the receiver lid 518, initial addition of fluid waste orother fluid within the fluid waste receiver 512A, or some other suitableinitiating event.

In one embodiment, once a predetermined period of time has elapsedfollowing activation of the timer activator 538, the controller 531activates the fluid waste receiver indicator 536 or a separate timerindicator (not shown), which alerts the user that a specific time periodhas passed, and that the useful life of the disposal assembly 510A haseither expired, or that expiration is scheduled to occur in apredetermined time period. For example, if expiration of the disposalassembly 510A occurs at 90 days from activation of the timer activator538, the controller 531 may activate the fluid waste receiver indicator536 at 75 days to provide a 15-day lead time for the user to terminateusage of the disposal assembly 510A. It is understood that the foregoingexample is provided for ease of understanding only, and is not intendedto limit in any manner the time periods for which the invention may beused.

FIG. 5B is a partial cutaway view of another embodiment of a disposalassembly 510B including a fluid waste receiver 512B. In this embodiment,the fluid waste receiver 512B is substantially similar to the fluidwaste receiver 512A illustrated in FIG. 5A, except for certainmodifications noted herein. So as not to obscure the features describedrelative to FIG. 5B, many of the features of the fluid waste receiver512A illustrated in FIG. 5A have been omitted from FIG. 5B.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 can be activated by the fluid waste receiver sensor 582Cin a somewhat similar manner as that previously described. However, inthis embodiment, the fluid absorber 570B is spaced apart a predetermineddistance from the absorber retainer 572B to allow for a certain degreeof expansion of the fluid absorber 570B as fluid waste is absorbedthereby. The specific distance that the absorber retainer 572B is spacedapart from the fluid absorber 570B can vary, but is dependent upon thespecific expansion properties of the fluid absorber 570B.

Thus, once a particular amount of fluid waste has been introduced intothe fluid absorber 570B, the fluid absorber 570B expands sufficientlytoward the absorber retainer 572B so that the fluid absorber 570Beventually contacts the absorber retainer 572B. Therefore, in thisembodiment, the fluid absorber 570B will move in an upward direction asindicated by arrow 586A as the fluid absorber 570B absorbs fluid waste.This upward movement generates a force against the fluid waste receiversensor 582C, which in this embodiment is positioned in the gap region580B. Once a predetermined force has been achieved, the fluid wastereceiver sensor 582C transmits an electrical signal to the controller531. The controller 531 then activates the fluid waste receiverindicator 536 to alert a user that the fluid waste has reached apredetermined percentage of the capacity of the fluid receiver body 519.At this point, in one embodiment, the user has a certain predeterminedtime period to place and/or lock the fluid receiver cap 518 on the fluidreceiver body 519, which prepares the disposal assembly 510A forpermanent disposal.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the solid wastereceiver 614 including the solid receiver cap 620 and the solid receiverbody 621. The specific configuration of the solid receiver body 621 ofthe solid waste receiver 614 can vary depending upon the designrequirements of the disposal assembly 10. In the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 6, the solid receiver body 621 has a somewhat rectangular shape.Alternatively, the solid receiver body 621 can be conical,frustoconical, cubical, spherical, pyramidal, or can have any othersuitable configuration.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the solid waste receiver 614illustrated in FIG. 6. In FIG. 7, the solid waste receiver 614 hascurved, e.g., radiused, corners and edges.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the solid waste receiver 614 takenon line 8-8 in FIG. 6, with the solid receiver cap 620 (illustrated inFIG. 6) removed for clarity. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8,the solid waste receiver 614 can include one or more of a solid receiverbody 621, a solid receiver guide 667, a fluid absorber 670, a reactionagent 687 and an adherer 688.

In one embodiment, the solid receiver guide 667 can include one or moresolid waste diverters 658 that divert the direction of the solid wastewhile the solid waste is entering an interior of the solid wastereceiver 614. In one embodiment, the solid waste diverters 658 can causethe solid waste to move in a back and forth or zigzag manner as thesolid waste moves downward into the solid receiver body 621. In anotherembodiment, the solid waste diverter 658 can be in the shape of aspiral, e.g., similar to a snail shell, so that the solid waste spiralsinto the solid receiver body 621. Still alternatively, the one or moresolid waste diverters 658 can have a different configuration. In certainembodiments, the solid waste diverters 658 can inhibit or preventwrongful, illegal or unwanted removal of solid waste from inside solidreceiver body 621 by inhibiting or impeding hands or other objects fromentering the solid receiver body 621.

In one embodiment, the solid receiver guide 667 includes a guide flap689 at or near the bottom of the solid receiver guide 667. In one suchembodiment, the guide flap 689 is hinged so that the guide flap 689 canmove between an open position and a closed position as indicated byarrow 690. In FIG. 8, the guide flap 689 is shown in the open position.In one embodiment, the guide flap 689 can include a flap weight 691 thatmaintains the guide flap 689 in the open position when the solid wastereceiver 614 is in an upright position, such as that illustrated in FIG.8. In the event the solid waste receiver 614 is moved to an invertedposition, the flap weight 691 will cause the guide flap 689 to move tothe closed position so that solid waste will be inhibited from exitingthe solid receiver body 621. The solid receiver guide 667 can alsoinclude a flap stop 692 that inhibits movement of the guide flap 689beyond the open position illustrated in FIG. 8.

The fluid absorber 670 can be included inside the solid receiver body621 to absorb any fluid waste that may inadvertently be deposited intothe solid receiver body 621 and/or that may be a by-product of thebreakdown of any solid waste.

The reaction agent 687 can react with water or other fluids in order tochemically and/or physically break down any solid waste inside the solidreceiver body 621, and/or make the solid waste undesirable and/orindigestible, once the solid receiver body 621 is determined to be readyfor capping (i.e. at or near capacity, or at or near expiration). Statedanother way, prior to capping the solid receiver body 621, a liquid isadded to the solid receiver body 621, which catalyzes a reaction withthe reaction agent 687 to destroy or otherwise chemically and/orphysically change the solid waste to an unusable and/or unrecoverableform. Alternatively, a liquid is added that solidifies the reactionagent 687 to encapsulate or otherwise surround the solid waste in thesolid receiver body 621. The solid receiver body 621 can then be capped,and is then ready for permanent disposal.

In one embodiment, the adherer 688 is positioned at least along aportion of the inside of the solid receiver body 621. The adherer 688can be an adhesive material or any other suitable material that promotesadherence of the solid waste to the inside of the solid receiver body621. The adherer 688 adds another layer of protection to inhibit solidwaste from being removed from the solid receiver body 621.

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of yet another embodiment of thedisposal assembly 910. FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of anotherembodiment of a disposal assembly 910 including a solid waste receiver914. In this embodiment, the solid waste receiver 914 is fullyself-contained and is not used in conjunction with a separate receiverretainer (such as receiver retainer 16 illustrated in FIG. 1A). Althoughnot necessarily illustrated in FIG. 9, the solid waste receiver 914 caninclude the same components illustrated and described relative to FIGS.6 and 8, including the solid receiver guide 667, which functionssubstantially as described previously herein.

Additionally, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the disposalassembly 910 includes a solid receiver cap 920, a solid receiver body921, a controller 931, a charged battery indicator 932, a low batteryindicator 934, a solid waste receiver indicator 936, a fluid absorber970, a reaction agent 987 and an adherer 988, which functionsubstantially as previously described herein, with the exception ofcertain modifications provided below. Further, the disposal assembly 910can also include a timer activator 938, a solid receiver body retainer981 and one or more solid waste receiver sensors 982A, 982B.

In one embodiment, the solid receiver body 921 is positioned within andis movable relative to the solid receiver body retainer 981 in adirection illustrated by arrow 983. Movement of the solid receiver body921 relative to the solid receiver body retainer 981 only needs to beslight, and is dependent upon the weight of the contents of the solidreceiver body 921, including any solid waste which may be present withinthe solid receiver body 921. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, asolid waste receiver sensor 982A is positioned between the solidreceiver body 921 and the solid receiver body retainer 981. In oneembodiment, the solid waste receiver sensor 982A is a weight sensor,such as a load cell, for example. In this embodiment, as the weight ofthe solid receiver body 921 and its contents increases, a greater forceis exerted on the weight sensor 982A.

In one embodiment, the weight sensor 982A can convert a predeterminedforce into an electrical signal, which causes the solid waste receiverindicator 936 to activate. Activation of the solid waste receiverindicator 936 can alert a user that the solid waste has reached apredetermined percentage of the capacity of the solid receiver body 921,and the user has a certain predetermined time period to place the solidreceiver cap 920 on the solid receiver body 921, which prepares thedisposal assembly 910 for disposal. In various embodiments, thepredetermined force required to activate the solid waste receiverindicator 936 and/or the predetermined percentage of the capacity of thesolid receiver body 921 can be determined based upon variousrequirements of the specific regulations governing disposal of waste.Alternatively, the predetermined force required to activate the solidwaste receiver indicator 936 and/or the predetermined percentage of thecapacity of the solid receiver body 921 can be determined by the user,and can be programmed into the controller 931

In another embodiment, the solid waste receiver indicator 936 can beactivated by the solid waste receiver sensor 982B. In this embodiment,as the level of solid waste rises in the solid receiver body 921, thesolid waste generates a force against the solid waste receiver sensor982B. Once a predetermined force has been achieved, the solid wastereceiver sensor 982B transmits an electrical signal to the controller931. The controller 931 then activates the solid waste receiverindicator 936 to alert a user that the solid waste has reached apredetermined percentage of the capacity of the solid receiver body 921.At this point, in one embodiment, the user has a certain predeterminedtime period to place the solid receiver cap 920 on the solid receiverbody 921, which prepares the disposal assembly 910 for permanentdisposal.

In this embodiment, the specific type of solid waste receiver sensor982B can vary. In one embodiment, the solid waste receiver sensor 982Bcan be a load cell. Alternatively, the solid waste receiver sensor 982Bcan include one or more piezoelectric elements. Still alternatively,other types of sensors can be used that can transmit an electricalsignal based on mechanical movement of the solid waste receiver sensor982B caused by pressure or force exerted by the rising level of solidwaste in the solid receiver body 921.

In certain embodiments, the timer activator 938 can manually beactivated by the user once usage of the disposal assembly 910 hascommenced. In one embodiment, the timer activator 938 notifies thecontroller 931 to start a clock or other timekeeping device. Once apredetermined period of time has elapsed, the controller 931 canactivate the solid waste receiver indicator 936, which alerts the userthat a specific time period has passed, and that the useful life of thedisposal assembly 910 has either expired, or that expiration is imminentor within a predetermined time period of expiration. For example, ifexpiration of the disposal assembly 910 occurs at 90 days fromactivation of the timer activator, the controller 931 may activate thesolid waste receiver indicator 936 at 75 days to provide a 15-day leadtime for the user to terminate usage of the disposal assembly 910. It isunderstood that the foregoing example is provided for ease ofunderstanding only, and is not intended to limit in any manner the timeperiods for which the invention may be used.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a disposalassembly 1010, including a receiver retainer 1016. Although notnecessarily illustrated in FIG. 10, the disposal assembly 1010 caninclude some or all of the same features illustrated and describedpreviously herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, thereceiver retainer 1016 includes an input device 1093, such as a keypador a touch-screen as non-exclusive examples. The input device 1093 isutilized by a user to input certain relevant information, such as drugclassification (as one non-exclusive example), that can be communicatedto the controller 31 (illustrated in FIG. 1C, for example) for furtherprocessing. Additionally, or alternatively, the input device 1093 can beused to identify and/or authenticate a user for access to the disposalassembly 1010. In one embodiment, the user can type a passcode or otherauthentication information into the input device 1093. Alternatively,other types of authentication methods can be included, such as a badgescanner or barcode reader, as non-exclusive alternative examples. Thedesign of the input device 1093 can be varied to suit the designrequirements of the disposal assembly 1010. In one embodiment, the inputdevice 1093 can receive, store and/or transmit, information regardingthe type of waste that is being deposited into the disposal assembly1010.

Additionally, or in the alternative, the disposal assembly 1010 caninclude an output device 1069 that can display certain relevantinformation to the user. By way of example and not by way of limitation,the output device 1069 can display information such as current filllevel(s) of the waste receivers, expiration dates of the wastereceivers, time remaining prior to expiration, the types of waste thathave previously been deposited into the waste receivers, user inputinformation, drug classifications, remaining battery life, alertinformation, and any other relevant information that could possibly beutilized by a user of the disposal assembly 1010.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the disposal assembly 1010also includes a monitoring device 1071. In this embodiment, themonitoring device 1071 can include a video and/or audio recorder, suchas a video camera or a sound recorder, as non-exclusive examples. Themonitoring device 1071 can be utilized to monitor and/or record videoand/or audio of the usage of the disposal assembly 1010 by the user(s).A real-time and/or previously recorded video and/or audio feed can bestored in the disposal assembly 1010, such as in a memory of thecontroller (not illustrated in FIG. 10), for example, or in some otherlocation within the disposal assembly 1010. Alternatively, the videoand/or audio feed can be transmitted to another location not within thedisposal assembly, such as a separate monitor or screen (not shown), avideo recording device (not shown), or any other suitable location forstorage and/or viewing of the recorded video data.

FIG. 11A is a simplified top view of the disposal assembly 1010,including the receiver retainer 1016 illustrated in FIG. 10, with theinput device 1093 omitted. In this embodiment, the receiver retainer1016 is shown in the closed position. In one embodiment, the receiverretainer 1016 includes a retainer lid 1028 having one or more lidapertures (a fluid lid aperture 1042A and a solid lid aperture 1042B areillustrated in FIG. 11A). The lid apertures 1042A, 1042B functionsubstantially in the same manner as those previously described herein,allowing fluid waste and/or solid waste to be deposited into one of thewaste receivers (not shown in FIG. 11A) from outside of the receiverretainer 1016. In this embodiment, the lid apertures 1042A, 1042B arepositioned in, and extend through, the retainer lid 1028.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11A, the fluid lid aperture 1042Aincludes a fluid waste guide 1044A, and the solid lid aperture 1042Bincludes a solid waste guide 1044B. Each waste guide 1044A, 1044Bassists in directing the specific phase of waste (solid, liquid or gas)to the appropriate waste receiver. In this embodiment, the fluid wasteguide 1044A includes a funnel-type device. Further, the solid wasteguide 1044B includes a funnel-type device in combination with one ormore diverters 1094 that guide or otherwise direct the waste to theappropriate waste receiver, in a manner substantially similar oridentical to that previously described herein. It is understood thateither of the lid apertures 1042A, 1042B can include any type of wasteguide 1044A, 1044B, and that the specific combinations of lid apertures1042A, 1042B and waste guides 1044A, 1044B illustrated in FIG. 11A areprovided for ease of understanding only, and are not intended to belimiting in any manner.

FIG. 11B is a simplified top view of a portion of the disposal assembly1010 illustrated in FIG. 10, illustrated in the open position, with theretainer lid 1028 and the input device 1093 removed for clarity. In thisembodiment, the disposal assembly 1010 includes the fluid waste receiver1012 and the solid waste receiver 1014. The fluid waste receiver 1012includes a fluid receiver guide 1062 that guides the fluid waste intothe fluid receiver body 1019. The fluid receiver guide 1062 can includea standard funnel-type device (as illustrated in FIG. 118) a spiralfunnel, or a series of diverters.

In this embodiment, the solid waste receiver 1014 includes a solidreceiver guide 1067 that guides the solid waste into the solid receiverbody 1021. The solid receiver guide 1067 can include a standardfunnel-type device, a spiral funnel, or a series of diverters (asillustrated in FIG. 11B).

When the disposal assembly 1010 illustrated in FIG. 11B is combined withthe retainer lid 1028 illustrated in FIG. 11A, both a correspondingwaste guide 1044A, 1044B and a corresponding receiver guide 1062, 1067serve to guide the specific phase of waste into the appropriate receiverbody 1019, 1021. With this design, the likelihood of improper removal ofwaste from the receiver bodies 1019, 1021 is decreased.

FIG. 12 is a simplified top view of another embodiment of the disposalassembly 1210 including the receiver retainer 1216, illustrated in theclosed position. In this embodiment, the receiver retainer 1216 includesa retainer lid 1228 that is substantially similar to the retainer lid1028 illustrated and described relative to FIG. 11A, with certain notedexceptions. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, in addition to afluid lid aperture 1242A, the receiver retainer 1216 also includes afirst solid lid aperture 1242B and a second solid lid aperture 1242C.The first solid lid aperture 1242B is substantially similar to the solidlid aperture 1042B illustrated and described relative to FIG. 11A.

The second solid lid aperture 1242C is designed to receive solid wastein the form of pharmaceutical and/or medical patches and the like. Thesize and configuration of the second solid lid aperture 1242C can vary.In one embodiment, the second solid lid aperture 1242C can have asomewhat rectangular, slot-like configuration. Alternatively, the secondsolid lid aperture 1242C can have another suitable configuration that isconsistent with accepting pharmaceutical and/or medical patches. Thesolid waste that is deposited into the second solid lid aperture 1242Ccan be received by the same solid waste receiver (not illustrated inFIG. 12) that receives solid waste via the first solid lid aperture1242B. Alternatively, the solid waste that is deposited into the secondsolid lid aperture 1242C can be received by a different solid wastereceiver than the solid waste receiver that receives solid waste via thefirst solid lid aperture 1242B.

FIG. 13 is a simplified top view of one embodiment of a portion of areceiver retainer 1316, illustrated in the open position, with theretainer lid omitted for clarity. In this embodiment, the receiverretainer 1316 includes a controller 1331 (illustrated in phantom), afluid waste receiver sensor 1382A and a solid waste receiver sensor1382B. In one embodiment, the waste receiver sensors 1382A, 1382B areweight sensors, such as a load cell, for example, and function in asubstantially similar or identical manner as those previously describedherein. In this embodiment, once the weight of the contents of one orboth of the receiver bodies (not shown in FIG. 13) increases to apredetermined level, the weight sensor 1382A, 1382B will send anelectrical signal to the controller 1331, which can then activate theappropriate waste receiver indicator 36, 38 (illustrated in FIG. 1A, forexample), as necessary.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of another embodiment of a receiver retainer1416. In this embodiment, the configuration of the retainer lid 1428 issuch that a fluid waste diverter 1458 (illustrated in phantom) is builtdirectly into the retainer lid 1428 so that a separate fluid wastediverter is unnecessary. The fluid waste diverter 1458 diverts and/ordirects fluid waste to the fluid lid aperture 1442A (illustrated inphantom) and the fluid waste guide 1444A (illustrated in phantom).

Additionally, in this embodiment, the retainer lid 1428 is movablysecured to the retainer housing 1422 by one or more hinges 1440. In thisembodiment, the one or more hinges 1440 are secured to a retainer front1496 so that in the event the disposal assembly 1410 is backed upagainst a wall or other surface, opening of the retainer lid 1428 willnot be impeded.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the receiver retainer 1416also includes a locking mechanism 1456 for locking the retainer lid 1428in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The locking mechanism1456 can include any suitable type of locking mechanism known to thoseskilled in the art, including but not limited to a combination lock or alock requiring one or more of a key, passcode, fingerprint reader, voicerecognition, or any other suitable type of lock.

FIG. 15 is a front elevation of yet another embodiment of a receiverretainer 1516, illustrated in an open position. The receiver retainer1516 can include various features previously described herein, althoughnot specifically illustrated in FIG. 15. Additionally, the receiverretainer 1516 can include one or more viewing windows 1530, a controller1531, a charged battery indicator 1532, a low battery indicator 1534, afluid waste receiver indicator 1536, a solid waste receiver indicator1538, one or more hinges 1540, a fluid waste guide 1544A, a solid wasteguide 1544B, a locking mechanism 1556, a fluid waste diverter 1558, anelectrochemical cell structure 1568, and one or more waste receiversensors 1582A, 1582B, each of which function substantially as previouslydescribed herein, with the exception of certain modifications notedherein. Further, the receiver retainer 1516 can also include a timeractivator 1598, an identification reader 1500, and an AC power supplycord 1502.

In this embodiment, the hinges 1540 are secured to a housing side panel1522S and a lid side panel 1528S so that the retainer lid 1528 opens toone side, as illustrated in FIG. 15. With this design, the retainer lid1528 of the receiver retainer 1516 will not be impeded and can still beopened even when the receiver retainer 1516 is backed against a wall oris mounted to a wall, for example.

In one embodiment, at any time that the retainer lid 1528 is in the openposition, an audible and/or visual indicator or alert is activated. Withthis design, users can be notified in the event of unauthorized (orauthorized) access to the interior of the receiver retainer 1516 occurs.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the timer activator 1598operates substantially similarly to the timer activator 538 illustratedin FIG. 5, except the timer activator 1598 in FIG. 15 is automaticallyactivated when a waste receiver (not shown in FIG. 15) is initiallyplaced into the receiver retainer 1516. In one embodiment, the timeractivator 1598 is moved by the waste receiver in a direction asindicated by arrow 1599 when the waste receiver is placed into thereceiver retainer 1516. When the timer activator 1598 is activated, thetimer activator 1598 notifies the controller 1531 to start a clock orother timekeeping device. Once a predetermined period of time haselapsed, the controller 1531 can activate the fluid waste receiverindicator 1536, which alerts the user that a specific time period haspassed, and that the useful life of the disposal assembly 1510 haseither expired, or that expiration is imminent or within a predeterminedtime period of expiration.

The identification reader 1500 can detect and/or read an identificationtag 200 (illustrated in FIG. 2, for example) positioned on one or morewaste receivers (not shown in FIG. 15). Although only one identificationreader 1500 is illustrated in FIG. 15, it is understood that additionalidentification readers can be positioned in different locations on orwithin the receiver retainer 1510. For example, the identificationreader 1500 illustrated in FIG. 15 is positioned to read anidentification tag that is positioned on a fluid waste receiver.However, the identification reader 1500 can equally be positioned inanother location for reading an identification tag positioned on a solidwaste receiver, for example.

In one embodiment, the identification reader 1500 can read an RFD tag,an integrated circuit, a barcode label, or any other suitable type ofidentifying tag that is included in either or both the fluid wastereceiver and the solid waste receiver (not shown in FIG. 15). Theidentification reader 1500 can serve one or more purposes. In oneembodiment, the identification reader 1500 can transmit a signal to thecontroller 1531 to activate a clock or other timer once the fluid wastereceiver and/or solid waste receiver are properly positioned within thereceiver retainer 1516. As provided hereinabove, the timer can be usedto determine when the waste receiver is expired or will soon expire asof a predetermined number of hours, days, etc. from the time the clockis activated. Data from the identification reader 1500 can betransmitted to and/or stored within the controller 1531.

In another embodiment, the identification reader 1500 can alternatively,or in addition, store information from the identification tag on thewaste receiver so that a particular waste receiver cannot be used twice.For example, the identification reader 1500 can read unique informationfrom a specific identification tag, and store this information in thecontroller 1531 or in memory outside of the receiver retainer 1516. Oncethe waste receiver is removed from the receiver retainer 1516, if thesame waste receiver is ever placed back into the receiver retainer 1516,the identification reader 1500, in conjunction with the controller 1531,will recognize the waste receiver as being the same waste receiver thatwas previously utilized with the receiver retainer 1516. In oneembodiment, the appropriate receiver indicator 1536, 1538 will beactivated to alert a user of the reuse of the waste receiver.

In another embodiment, the identification reader 1500 can alternatively,or in addition, store information from the identification tag on thewaste receiver in a centralized database that can be accessed by othersto track location, shipment or delivery of the waste receiver to apermanent disposal site, to locations within a hospital or other healthcare facility, or another suitable locations.

The AC power supply cord 1502 can be used to transmit AC power to thedisposal assembly 1510 to charge the electrochemical cell structure1568, or to power the entire disposal assembly 1510 in embodiments thatdo not include a electrochemical cell structure 1568, or in the eventthe electrochemical cell structure 1568 is low or dead.

FIG. 16 is a front elevation of yet another embodiment of a disposalassembly 1610. In this embodiment, the disposal assembly 1610 includesone or both of a fluid waste receiver 1612 and a solid waste receiver1614. Further, the disposal assembly 1610 includes a receiver retainer1616. In this embodiment, the receiver retainer 1616 has a platformconfiguration. The receiver retainer 1616 can include various featurespreviously described herein, although not specifically illustrated inFIG. 16. Additionally, the receiver retainer 1616 can include acontroller 1631 (illustrated in phantom), a charged battery indicator1632, a low battery indicator 1634, a fluid waste receiver indicator1636, a solid waste receiver indicator 1638, an electrochemical cellstructure 1668, and one or more waste receiver sensors 1682A, 1682B,each of which function substantially as previously described herein,with the exception of certain modifications noted herein. Further, thereceiver retainer 1616 can also include one or more receiver securers1606 (shown partially in phantom where inserted into waste receivers1612, 1614), a fluid digital readout 1609A and/or a solid digitalreadout 1609B.

The waste receivers 1612, 1614 are positioned on the receiver retainer1616, and are held in place by the receiver securers 1606. The receiversecurers 1606 can be movably positioned to secure the waste receivers1612, 1614 to the receiver retainer 1616. In one embodiment, thereceiver securers 1606 can be manually moved into place to secure thewaste receivers 1612, 1614 to the receiver retainer 1616. Alternatively,the receiver securers 1606 can automatically move into place to securethe waste receivers 1612, 1614 to the receiver retainer 1616. In onesuch embodiment, the receiver securers 1606 can electromechanically movetoward and/or away from the waste receivers 1612, 1614 in the directionof arrows 1608A, 1608B. In an alternative embodiment, the receiversecurers 1606 can move toward and/or away from the waste receivers 1612,1614 by another suitable means.

The digital readouts 1609A, 1609B can provide specific informationregarding the status of the waste receivers 1612, 1614. For example, incertain embodiments, the digital readouts 1609A, 1609B can indicate oneor more of the length of time the waste receivers 1612, 1614 have beenpositioned on the receiver retainer 1616, the weight of the wastereceivers 1612, 1614, the weight of the contents of the waste receivers1612, 1614, the expiration date for each of the waste receivers 1612,1614 based on when they were positioned on the receiver retainer 1616,or any other useful information depending upon the design requirementsof the disposal assembly 1610.

FIG. 17A is a front view of one embodiment of the disposal assembly 1710including a mounting apparatus 1701, and a simplified representation ofthe receiver retainer 1716 (illustrated in phantom) engaged with themounting apparatus 1701. In this embodiment, the mounting apparatus 1701can be secured to a vertical or non-vertical surface with one or morefasteners 1703, such as screws, nails, etc. The specific configurationof the mounting apparatus 1701 can vary. In one embodiment, the mountingapparatus 1701 can have a somewhat triangular configuration. However, inalternative embodiments, the mounting apparatus 1701 can have a square,curved, circular, elliptical, polygonal or another suitableconfiguration.

In this embodiment, the mounting apparatus 1701 includes one or moresupport rails 1705 (two support rails are illustrated in FIG. 17A) thatsupport the receiver retainer 1716. The support rails 1705 slidinglyinterlock with corresponding complementary rail receivers 1707 on thereceiver retainer 1716. As provided in greater detail herein, thereceiver retainer 1716 can slide onto the support rails 1705, and thenbe lockingly secured to the mounting apparatus 1701 for stability andsecurity.

FIG. 17B is a top view of the disposal assembly 1710 including themounting apparatus 1701 illustrated in FIG. 17A, and the receiverretainer 1716 illustrated in phantom for differentiation. In thisembodiment, the mounting apparatus 1701 includes a locking tab 1709 thatextends into the receiver retainer 1716 as provided in greater detailherein.

FIG. 17C is a side elevation of disposal assembly 1710 including themounting apparatus 1701 illustrated in FIG. 17A, and the receiverretainer 1716 (illustrated in phantom) engaged with the mountingapparatus 1701. In this embodiment, it is evident that the mountingapparatus 1701 can be secured with fasteners 1703 to one or both of twosurfaces that are substantially perpendicular to one another. Further,in this embodiment, the receiver retainer 1716 includes a locking pinassembly 1711 that is positioned in a retainer interior 1713 of thereceiver retainer 1716. The locking pin assembly 1711 lockingly engagesthe locking tab 1709 of the mounting apparatus 1701 to secure thereceiver retainer 1716 to the mounting apparatus 1701. In certainembodiments of the receiver retainer 1716 that include a lockingmechanism (as previously described herein), the locking pin assembly1711 cannot be unlocked from the locking tab 1709 unless the receiverretainer 1716 can be opened to access the locking pin assembly 1711.With this design, unauthorized persons will be inhibited fromdisengaging the receiver retainer 1716 from the mounting apparatus 1701.

FIG. 17D is a detailed side view of a portion of the mounting apparatus1701 including the locking tab 1709, and a portion of the receiverretainer 1716, including the locking pin assembly 1711, illustrated inan engaged position. In this embodiment, the locking pin assembly 1711is spring loaded so that a locking pin 1715 is biased to extend througha tab aperture 1717 in the locking tab 1709. The locking pin 1715 canhave an angled tip 1747 to allow the locking pin 1715 to enter the tabaperture 1717 without the need to manually lift the locking pin 1715 inan upwardly direction (indicated by arrow 1749). However, to remove thelocking pin 1715 from the tab aperture 1717, it is necessary to manuallylift the locking pin 1715 in the upwardly direction 1749, which in oneembodiment, can only be accomplished from the retainer interior 1713(illustrated in FIG. 17C).

FIG. 18A is a front perspective view of still another embodiment of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 1810 having features of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly 1810 includes a receiver assembly 1851 including a fluid wastereceiver 1812 (illustrated in phantom), a solid waste receiver 1814(illustrated in phantom), a sharps receiver 1815 (illustrated inphantom), a receiver retainer 1816, and an absorption pad 1825(illustrated in phantom). It should be noted that either the fluid wastereceiver 1812 or the solid waste receiver 1814 can be referred togenerically herein as a “waste receiver”. In one non-exclusivealternative embodiment, the absorption pad 1825 can be omitted from thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 1810.

The receiver retainer 1816 is adapted to receive and selectively retainthe fluid waste receiver 1812, the solid waste receiver 1814 and thesharps receiver 1815. In certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments,the pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 1810 can omit either thefluid waste receiver 1812 or the solid waste receiver 1814. In suchembodiments, the receiver retainer 1816 can receive and selectivelyretain the sharps receiver 1815 and one or the other of the fluid wastereceiver 1812 and the solid waste receiver 1814.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18A, the fluid waste receiver 1812includes a fluid receiver body 1819 (illustrated in phantom), the solidwaste receiver 1814 includes a solid receiver body 1821 (illustrated inphantom), and the sharps receiver 1815 includes a sharps receiver body1823 (illustrated in phantom). It should be noted that either the fluidreceiver body 1819 or the solid receiver body 1821 can be referred togenerically herein as a “waste receiver body”. In certain embodiments,the fluid receiver body 1819 and/or the solid receiver body 1821 canindividually or both be positioned adjacent to the sharps receiver body1823 within the receiver retainer 1818.

Moreover, in various embodiments, each of the fluid receiver body 1819,the solid receiver body 1821 and the sharps receiver body 1823 defineregions, i.e. a fluid waste region 1827A, a solid waste region 1827B anda sharps region 1827C, respectively, that are separate and independentfrom one another. Stated another way, the waste contents that are placedwithin one region 1827A, 1827B, 1827C do not intermingle with the wastecontents that are placed within any of the other regions 1827A, 1827B,1827C. It should be noted that either the fluid waste region 1827A orthe solid waste region 1827B can be referred to generically herein as a“waste region”.

As illustrated in FIG. 18A, the volume of the fluid waste region 1827Acan be somewhat similar to the volume of the solid waste region 1827B.Alternatively, the volume of the fluid waste region 1827A can beprecisely the same as the volume of the solid waste region 1827B or thevolume of the fluid waste region 1827A can be different than the volumeof the solid waste region 1827B. In certain non-exclusive examples, thevolume of the fluid waste region 1827A can be approximately 25 percent,50 percent, 75 percent, 100 percent, 150 percent or 200 percent largeror smaller than the volume of the solid waste region 1827B.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, the volume of the sharps region1827C is larger than each of the fluid waste region 1827A and the solidwaste region 1827B. Alternatively, the volume of the sharps region 1827Ccan be smaller than or approximately the same as the volume of one ormore of the fluid waste region 1827A and the solid waste region 1827B.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the solid receiver body 1821 ispositioned substantially directly above the fluid receiver body 1819.Alternatively, the fluid receiver body 1819, the solid receiver body1821 and the sharps receiver body 1823 can have a different orientationrelative to one another within the retainer receiver 1816. For example,in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the fluid receiver body1819 can be positioned substantially directly above the solid receiverbody 1821 and/or the sharps receiver body 1823. It is recognized thatthe foregoing examples are provided for ease of understanding only, andare not intended to limit the various configurations and relativepositioning of the receiver bodies 1819, 1821, 1823, in any manner.

Further, in certain embodiments, one or more of the fluid waste receiver1812, the solid waste receiver 1814 and the sharps receiver 1815 can beformed together as an integrated unit. Stated another way, one or moreof the fluid waste receiver 1812, the solid waste receiver 1814 and thesharps receiver 1815 can be formed as a unitary structure. In suchembodiments, one or more of the fluid waste receiver 1812, the solidwaste receiver 1814 and the sharps receiver 1815 can be inserted intoand/or removed from the receiver retainer 1816 together as an integratedunit. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid waste receiver 1812 andthe sharps receiver 1815 are formed together as an integrated unit andcan be inserted into and/or removed from the receiver retainer 1816simultaneously as a unitary structure. In another alternativeembodiment, all three of the of the fluid waste receiver 1812, the solidwaste receiver 1814 and the sharps receiver 1815 can be formed togetheras an integrated unit and can be inserted into and/or removed from thereceiver retainer 1816 together as an integrated unit. As used herein,the terms “integrated unit” and “unitary structure” do not necessaryrequire the receivers 1812, 1814, 1815, to be permanently fused orformed from a single piece of material, although they may be so formed.For example, in one embodiment, two or more of the receivers 1812, 1814,1815, may be formed separately, and connected, secured or otherwiseattached to one another so that they do not substantially move relativeto one another.

Although not necessarily illustrated in FIG. 18A, the fluid wastereceiver 1812 can include some or all of the same components illustratedand described relative to FIGS. 2, 4A and 4B, including for example, oneor more of the fluid receiver guide 262, the fluid distributor 264, thefluid processor 274 and the fluid deodorizer 276, which functionsubstantially as described previously herein.

Additionally, although not necessarily illustrated in FIG. 18A, thesolid waste receiver 1814 can include some or all of the same componentsillustrated and described relative to FIG. 8, including for example, oneor more of the solid receiver guide 667, the fluid absorber 670, thereaction agent 687, and the adherer 688, which function substantially asdescribed previously herein.

Further, the receiver retainer 1816 can include various featurespreviously described herein, although not specifically illustrated inFIG. 18A. For example, the receiver retainer 1816 can include acontroller, a charged battery indicator, a low battery indicator, afluid waste receiver indicator, a solid waste receiver indicator, anelectrochemical cell structure, a timer activator, and one or more wastereceiver sensors, each of which function substantially as previouslydescribed herein.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the absorption pad 1825 can be positionedsubstantially at a bottom and/or along an interior of the sharpsreceiver 1815. In one embodiment, the absorption pad 1825 can beincluded within the sharps receiver 1815 to absorb any fluid waste thatmay inadvertently be deposited into the sharps receiver 1815 along withthe sharps. For example, when the fluid waste within a syringe isemptied into the fluid waste receiver 1812 prior to the syringe beingplaced into the sharps receiver 1815, all of the fluid waste may notnecessarily be fully drained from within the syringe. In this instance,any remaining fluid waste that is present within the syringe can beabsorbed by the absorption pad 1825 when and if the fluid waste drainsout of the syringe when the syringe is positioned within the sharpsretainer body 1823.

As illustrated in this embodiment, the receiver retainer 1816 includes aretainer lid 1828 that includes a fluid lid aperture 1842A, a solid lidaperture 1842B and a sharps lid aperture 1842C. The fluid lid aperture1842A allows fluid pharmaceutical waste to be deposited into the fluidwaste receiver 1812 from outside of the receiver retainer 1816. Thesolid lid aperture 1842B allows solid pharmaceutical waste to bedeposited into the solid waste receiver 1814 from outside of thereceiver retainer 1816. The sharps lid aperture 1842C allows sharpswaste to be deposited into the sharps receiver 1815 from outside of thereceiver retainer 1816. In this embodiment, the lid apertures 1842A,1842B, 1842C and positioned within and/or extend through the retainerlid 1828.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18A, the fluid lid aperture 1842Aincludes a fluid waste guide 1844A, the solid lid aperture 1842Bincludes a solid waste guide 1844B, and the sharps lid aperture 1842Cincludes a sharps waste guide 1844C. It should be noted that either thefluid waste guide 1844A or the solid waste guide 1844B can be referredto generically herein as a “raw waste guide”. As illustrated, the wasteguides 1844A, 1844B, 1844C can each be positioned substantially withinand/or extend through the retainer lid 1828. Each waste guide 1844A,1844B, 1844C assists in directing the specific waste (liquid, solid orsharps) to the appropriate waste receiver 1812, 1814, 1815, in a mannersubstantially similar or identical to that previously described herein.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18A, the receiver retainer 1816also includes a locking mechanism 1856 for locking the retainer lid 1828in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 18A. The locking mechanism1856 can include any suitable type of locking mechanism known to thoseskilled in the art, including but not limited to a combination lock or alock requiring one or more of a key, passcode, fingerprint reader, voicerecognition, or any other suitable type of lock.

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view of the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly 1810 illustrated in FIG. 18A taken along line B-B. Asillustrated, the fluid waste guide 1844A can include a standardfunnel-type device that guides the fluid waste into the fluid wastereceiver 1812. In certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, thefluid waste guide 1844A can include a spiral funnel, and/or a series ofdiverters. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 18B, the solid waste guide1844B can include a standard funnel-type device that guides the solidwaste into the solid waste receiver 1814. In certain non-exclusivealternative embodiments, the solid waste guide 1844B can include aspiral funnel, and/or a series of diverters. It is understood thateither of the lid apertures 1842A, 1842B can include any type of wasteguide 1844A, 1844B, and that the specific combinations of lid apertures1842A, 1842B and waste guides 1844A, 1844B illustrated in FIG. 18B areprovided for ease of understanding only, and are not intended to belimiting in any manner.

Additionally, as shown in this embodiment, the sharps waste guide 1844Cguides the sharps into the sharps receiver 1815. In certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the sharps waste guide 1844C caninclude a one-way mail slot-type of guide. As used herein, a “one-way”guide is any guide that inhibits sharps from exiting the sharps receiver1815 once the sharps have been inserted into the sharps receiver 1815.In non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the sharps waste guide 1844Ccan include a trap door-type of guide, or any other one-way door or slotknown to those skilled in the art. Still alternatively, the sharps wasteguide 1844C can include an opening with no one-way device. It isunderstood that the sharps lid aperture 1842C can include any type ofsharps waste guide 1844C, and that the specific combination of sharpslid aperture 1842C and sharps waste guide 1844C illustrated in FIG. 18Bis provided for ease of understanding only, and is not intended to belimiting in any manner. With the designs provided herein, the likelihoodof improper removal of waste from any of the fluid waste receiver 1812,the solid waste receiver 1814, and the sharps receiver 1815, isdecreased.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 18B, the fluid waste receiver 1812 canfurther include a fluid receiver guide 1862, a fluid distributor 1864and a fluid absorber 1870. The fluid receiver guide 1862 issubstantially similar or identical to the fluid receiver guide 62previously described herein. In particular, the fluid receiver guide1862 guides the fluid waste into the fluid receiver body 1819.

Additionally, the fluid distributor 1864 can be substantially similar toand/or can include one or more of the features of any of the embodimentsillustrated and described in detail above in FIGS. 4A-4K. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 18A, the fluid distributor 1864 receivesfluid waste via the fluid receiver guide 1862 and can directlydistribute and/or allow the fluid waste to flow to one or more levels ofthe fluid absorber 1870 in a more even (e.g., non-random) manner. Withthis design, the fluid waste can more rapidly be absorbed by the fluidabsorber 1870, which inhibits puddling or ponding of fluid waste withinthe fluid waste receiver 1812.

FIG. 18C is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the receiverassembly 1851 illustrated in FIG. 18A, with the receiver retaineromitted for clarity. In this embodiment, the receiver assembly 1851includes the fluid waste receiver 1812, the solid waste receiver 1814,the sharps receiver 1815 and the absorption pad 1825.

As illustrated in FIG. 18C, the fluid waste receiver 1812 includes thefluid receiver body 1819 that defines the fluid waste region 1827A, anda fluid receiver guide 1862 that guides the fluid waste into the fluidreceiver body 1819. The size, shape and positioning of the fluidreceiver guide 1862 can be varied to suit the design requirements of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 1810 (illustrated in FIG. 18A)and the receiver retainer 1816 (illustrated in FIG. 18A). In thisembodiment, the fluid receiver guide 1862 is positioned to substantiallycoincide with the fluid lid aperture 1842A (illustrated in FIG. 18A) andthe fluid waste guide 1844A (illustrated in FIG. 18A). Stated anotherway, fluid waste that is directed through the fluid lid aperture 1842Aand the fluid waste guide 1844A is further directed into the fluidreceiver guide 1862 before being guided into and retained within thefluid receiver body 1819.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 18C, the solid waste receiver 1814includes the solid receiver body 1821 that defines the solid wasteregion 1827B, and a solid receiver guide 1867 that guides the solidwaste into the solid receiver body 1821. The size, shape and positioningof the solid receiver guide 1867 can be varied to suit the designrequirements of the pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 1810 and thereceiver retainer 1816. In this embodiment, the solid receiver guide1867 is positioned to substantially coincide with the solid lid aperture1842B (illustrated in FIG. 18A) and the solid waste guide 1844B(illustrated in FIG. 18A). Stated another way, solid waste that isdirected through the solid lid aperture 1842B and the solid waste guide1844B is further directed into the solid receiver guide 1867 beforebeing guided into and retained within the solid receiver body 1821.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 18C, the sharps receiver 1815 includesthe sharps receiver body 1823 that defines the sharps region 1827C, anda sharps receiver guide 1869 that guides the sharps into the sharpsreceiver body 1823. The size, shape and positioning of the sharpsreceiver guide 1869 can be varied to suit the design requirements of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 1810 and the receiver retainer1816. In this embodiment, the sharps receiver guide 1869 is positionedto substantially coincide with the sharps lid aperture 1842C(illustrated in FIG. 18A) and the sharps waste guide 1844C (illustratedin FIG. 18A). Stated another way, sharps that are directed through thesharps lid aperture 1842C and the sharps waste guide 1844C are furtherdirected into the sharps receiver guide 1869 before being guided intoand retained within the sharps receiver body 1823.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 1910 having features of thepresent invention. Some of the features of the pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly 1910 are substantially similar to the pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly 1810 described above with regard to FIG. 18A.For example, in this embodiment, the pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly 1910 includes a receiver assembly 1951, which includes a fluidwaste receiver 1912 (illustrated in phantom), a solid waste receiver1914 (illustrated in phantom), a sharps receiver 1915 (illustrated inphantom), an absorption pad 1925 (illustrated in phantom), and areceiver retainer 1916. The receiver retainer 1916 is adapted to receiveand selectively retain the fluid waste receiver 1912, the solid wastereceiver 1914 and the sharps receiver 1915.

In this embodiment, the fluid waste receiver 1912 includes a fluidreceiver body 1919 (illustrated in phantom), the solid waste receiver1914 includes a solid receiver body 1921 (illustrated in phantom), andthe sharps receiver 1915 includes a sharps receiver body 1923(illustrated in phantom). As illustrated, the fluid receiver body 1919and the solid receiver body 1921 can each be positioned adjacent to thesharps receiver body 1923 within the receiver retainer 1916.Additionally, in this embodiment, the solid receiver body 1921 ispositioned substantially directly below the fluid receiver body 1919.Alternatively, the fluid receiver body 1919, the solid receiver body1921 and the sharps receiver body 1923 can have a different orientationrelative to one another within the retainer receiver 1916.

Further, in certain embodiments, one or more of the fluid waste receiver1912, the solid waste receiver 1914 and the sharps receiver 1915 can beformed together as an integrated unit, as previously described herein.Stated another way, one or more of the fluid waste receiver 1912, thesolid waste receiver 1914 and the sharps receiver 1915 can be formed asa unitary structure. In such embodiments, one or more of the fluid wastereceiver 1912, the solid waste receiver 1914 and the sharps receiver1915 can be inserted into and/or removed from the receiver retainer 1916together as an integrated unit.

Although not necessarily illustrated in FIG. 19, the fluid wastereceiver 1912, the solid waste receiver 1914, the sharps receiver 1915,the receiver retainer 1916 and the absorption pad 1925 can include someor all of the same components illustrated and described in any of theabove embodiments, including in FIG. 18A, which function substantiallyas described previously herein. Accordingly, a detailed description ofsuch features will not be repeated.

As illustrated in this embodiment, the receiver retainer 1916 caninclude a retainer housing 1922 including one or more retainer sidewalls 1924, a retainer base 1926 and a retainer lid 1928. In FIG. 19, asolid side aperture 1943B is positioned substantially within and extendsthrough one of the retainer side walls 1924. The solid side aperture1943B allows solid pharmaceutical waste to be deposited into the solidwaste receiver 1914 from outside the receiver retainer 1916.Additionally, the retainer lid 1928 includes a fluid lid aperture 1942Aand a sharps lid aperture 1942C that are positioned within and extendthrough the retainer lid 1928. The fluid lid aperture 1942A allows fluidpharmaceutical waste to be deposited into the fluid waste receiver 1912from outside of the receiver retainer 1916. The sharps lid aperture1942C allows sharps waste to be deposited into the sharps receiver 1915from outside of the receiver retainer 1916. In certain non-exclusivealternative embodiments, the positioning of the apertures 1942A, 1943B,1942C can be varied. For example, any of the apertures 1942A, 1943B,1942C can be positioned within and extend through any of the side walls1924, the retainer base 1926 or the retainer lid 1928 of the retainerhousing 1922.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the fluid lid aperture 1942Aincludes a fluid waste guide 1944A, the solid side aperture 1943Bincludes a solid waste guide 1944B, and the sharps lid aperture 1942Cincludes a sharps waste guide 1944C. As illustrated, the fluid wasteguide 1944A and the sharps waste guide 1944C can be positionedsubstantially within and extend through the retainer lid 1828, and thesolid waste guide 1944B can be positioned substantially within andextend through one of the retainer side walls 1924. Each waste guide1944A, 1944B, 1944C assists in directing the specific waste (liquid,solid or sharps) to the appropriate waste receiver 1912, 1914, 1915, ina manner substantially similar or identical to that previously describedherein.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the receiver retainer 1916also includes a locking mechanism 1956 for locking the retainer lid 1928in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 is a front elevation of an embodiment of a portion of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 2010 having features of thepresent invention. In particular, FIG. 20 illustrates a receiverassembly 2051 that is usable as part of the pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly 2010. In one embodiment, the receiver assembly 2051can be positioned and received within a receiver retainer, such as anyof the receiver retainers illustrated and described herein.Alternatively, the receiver assembly 2051 can function as a stand-alonewaste disposal unit without the need for a separate receiver retainer.

As illustrated, the receiver assembly 2051 includes a fluid wastereceiver 2012, a solid waste receiver 2014 and a sharps receiver 2015.The fluid waste receiver 2012 includes a fluid receiver body 2019, thesolid waste receiver 2014 includes a solid receiver body 2021, and thesharps receiver 2015 includes a sharps receiver body 2023. Asillustrated, the fluid receiver body 2019 and the solid receiver body2021 can each be positioned adjacent to the sharps receiver body 2023within the receiver assembly 2051. Additionally, in this embodiment, thesolid receiver body 2021 is positioned laterally adjacent to the sharpsreceiver body 2023, and the fluid receiver body 2019 is positionedsubstantially directly below the solid receiver body 2021 and the sharpsreceiver body 2023. Alternatively, the fluid receiver body 2019, thesolid receiver body 2021 and the sharps receiver body 2023 can have adifferent orientation relative to one another within the receiverassembly 2051.

In this embodiment, the receiver assembly 2051 further includes a unitaperture 2053. The unit aperture 2053 allows fluid pharmaceutical waste,solid pharmaceutical waste and sharps waste to be deposited into thereceiver assembly 2051 from outside of the receiver assembly 2051. Asillustrated, the unit aperture 2053 is substantially circular shaped andis positioned substantially centrally located along the top of thereceiver assembly 2051. In certain non-exclusive alternativeembodiments, the unit aperture 2053 can have a different shape and/or bepositioned along a different portion of the receiver assembly 2051.Still alternatively, the receiver assembly 2051 can include more thanone unit aperture 2053.

In FIG. 20, the unit aperture 2053 includes a first side 2053A and asecond side 2053B. As illustrated, the first side 2053A allows fluidpharmaceutical waste and sharps waste to be deposited into the receiverassembly 2051 from outside of the receiver assembly 2051. Moreparticularly, the first side 2053A allows fluid pharmaceutical waste tobe deposited into the fluid receiver body 2019, and allows sharps wasteto be deposited into the sharps receiver body 2023. The second side2053B allows solid pharmaceutical waste to be deposited into thereceiver assembly 2051 from outside of the receiver assembly 2051. Moreparticularly, the second side 2053B allows solid pharmaceutical waste tobe deposited into the solid receiver body 2021.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the receiver assembly 2051 can furtherinclude a receiver divider 2055. The receiver divider 2055 is positionedsubstantially between the fluid, receiver body 2019 and the sharpsreceiver body 2023. The receiver divider 2055 can be made from afluid-permeable material such that the fluid pharmaceutical waste canpass through the receiver divider 2055 into the fluid receiver body2019. Additionally, the receiver divider 2055 inhibits sharps waste frompassing through into the fluid receiver body 2019 and helps to retainthe sharps waste within the sharps receiver body 2023.

Additionally, the receiver assembly 2051 includes a fluid absorber 2070that is positioned substantially within the fluid receiver body 2019.The fluid absorber 2070 absorbs fluid waste that enters the fluidreceiver body 2019. In one embodiment, the fluid absorber 2070 includesa solid material such as a super absorbent polymer (SAP), which can alsobe combined with additional fluff or fibrous materials, for example.Alternatively, the fluid absorber 2070 can include other suitable,relatively absorbent materials. The material that forms the fluidabsorber 2070 can also include antibacterial, antimicrobial, and/oranti-odor characteristics. For example, in one embodiment, the fluidabsorber 2070 can be impregnated with a silver or copper type ofantibacterial and/or antimicrobial agent to reduce or eliminate thepossibility of bacterial or fungal growth. Moreover, in one embodiment,the fluid absorber 2070 can convert the fluid waste to a gelatinous orsolid material that is less likely to spill or leak from the fluidreceiver body 2019.

FIG. 21 is a front elevation of another embodiment of a portion of apharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 2110 having features of thepresent invention, in particular, FIG. 21 illustrates a receiverassembly 2151 that is usable as part of the pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly 2110. In one embodiment, the receiver assembly 2151can be positioned and received within a receiver retainer, such as anyof the receiver retainers illustrated and described herein.Alternatively, the receiver assembly 2151 can function as a stand-alonewaste disposal unit without the need for a separate receiver retainer.

As illustrated, the receiver assembly 2151 includes a fluid wastereceiver 2112, a solid waste receiver 2114 and a sharps receiver 2115.The fluid waste receiver 2112 includes a fluid receiver body 2119, thesolid waste receiver 2114 includes a solid receiver body 2121, and thesharps receiver 2115 includes a sharps receiver body 2123. Asillustrated, the fluid receiver body 2119 and the solid receiver body2121 can each be positioned adjacent to the sharps receiver body 2123within the receiver assembly 2151. Additionally, in this embodiment, thefluid receiver body 2119 is positioned substantially directly below thesolid receiver body 2121, and the solid receiver body 2121 is positionedlaterally adjacent to the sharps receiver body 2123 and the fluidreceiver body 2119. Alternatively, the fluid receiver body 2119, thesolid receiver body 2121 and the sharps receiver body 2123 can have adifferent orientation relative to one another within the receiverassembly 2151.

In this embodiment, the receiver assembly 2151 further includes a firstunit aperture 2157A and a second unit aperture 2157B. Alternatively, thereceiver assembly 2151 can include greater or fewer than two unitapertures.

The first unit aperture 2157A allows fluid pharmaceutical waste andsharps waste to be deposited into the receiver assembly 2151 fromoutside of the receiver assembly 2151. More particularly, the first unitaperture 2157A allows fluid pharmaceutical waste to be deposited intothe fluid receiver body 2119, and allows sharps waste to be depositedinto the sharps receiver body 2123. As illustrated, the first unitaperture 2157A is substantially circular shaped and is positioned nearerto one side along the top of the receiver assembly 2151. In certainnon-exclusive alternative embodiments, the first unit aperture 2157A canhave a different shape and/or be positioned along a different portion ofthe receiver assembly 2151.

The second unit aperture 2157B allows solid pharmaceutical waste to bedeposited into the receiver assembly 2151 from outside of the receiverassembly 2151. More particularly, the second unit aperture 2157B allowssolid pharmaceutical waste to be deposited into the solid receiver body2121. As illustrated, the second unit aperture 2157B is substantiallycircular shaped and is positioned nearer to the other side from thefirst unit aperture 2157A along the top of the receiver assembly 2151.In certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the second unitaperture 2157B can have a different shape and/or be positioned along adifferent portion of the receiver assembly 2151.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the receiver assembly 2151 can furtherinclude a receiver divider 2155. The receiver divider 2155 is positionedsubstantially between the fluid, receiver body 2119 and the sharpsreceiver body 2123. The receiver divider 2155 can be made from afluid-permeable material such that the fluid pharmaceutical waste canpass through the receiver divider 2155 into the fluid receiver body2119. Additionally, the receiver divider 2155 inhibits sharps waste frompassing through into the fluid receiver body 2119 and helps to retainthe sharps waste within the sharps receiver body 2123.

Additionally, the receiver assembly 2151 includes a fluid absorber 2170that is positioned substantially within the fluid receiver body 2119.The fluid absorber 2170 absorbs fluid waste that enters the fluidreceiver body 2119. In one embodiment, the fluid absorber 2170 includesa solid material such as a super absorbent polymer (SAP), which can alsobe combined with additional fluff or fibrous materials, for example.Alternatively, the fluid absorber 2170 can include other suitable,relatively absorbent materials. The material that forms the fluidabsorber 2170 can also include antibacterial, antimicrobial, and/oranti-odor characteristics. For example, in one embodiment, the fluidabsorber 2170 can be impregnated with a silver or copper type ofantibacterial and/or antimicrobial agent to reduce or eliminate thepossibility of bacterial or fungal growth. Moreover, in one embodiment,the fluid absorber 2170 can convert the fluid waste to a gelatinous orsolid material that is less likely to spill or leak from the fluidreceiver body 2119.

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a first surface 2201, a second surface2202, and an embodiment of a cancellation feature 2203 that is usablebetween the first surface 2201 and the second surface 2202 as part ofthe present invention. More particularly, FIG. 22A illustrates that thecancellation feature 2203 includes a first cancellation member 2204 thatis secured to the first surface 2201 and a second cancellation member2205 that is secured to the second surface 2202. Alternatively, thefirst cancellation member 2204 can be integrally formed with the firstsurface 2201 and/or the second cancellation member 2205 can beintegrally formed with the second surface 2202. As illustrated in FIG.22A, the second cancellation member 2205 of the cancellation feature2203 is shown in a pre-engaged configuration.

It should be noted that the use of the terms “first cancellationmember”, and “second cancellation member” is merely for ease ofdiscussion and is not intended to be limiting in any manner, and eithercancellation member can be equally referred to as the first cancellationmember and/or the second cancellation member.

In some embodiments, the first surface 2201 forms a portion of areceiver or receiver assembly, e.g., one of the receivers or receiverassemblies previously illustrated and described herein, and the secondsurface 2202 forms a portion of a receiver retainer, e.g., one of thereceiver retainers previously illustrated and described herein. Forexample, in one such embodiment, the first surface 2201 can form anouter surface of a bottom of a receiver body of the receiver or receiverassembly (e.g., the first surface 2201 can form an outer surface of thereceiver bottom 283 of the fluid receiver 212C illustrated in FIG. 4C)and the second surface 2202 can form an inner surface of a retainer baseof the receiver retainer (e.g., the second surface 2202 can form aninner surface of the retainer base 26 of the receiver retainer 16illustrated in FIG. 1A). Alternatively, the first surface 2201 can forma different portion of the receiver or receiver assembly and/or thesecond surface 2202 can form a different portion of the receiverretainer. Still alternatively, the first surface 2201 can form a portionof the receiver retainer (e.g., the first surface 2201 can form an innersurface of the retainer base 26 of the receiver retainer 16 illustratedin FIG. 1A) and the second surface 2202 can form a portion of thereceiver or receiver assembly (e.g., the second surface 2202 can form anouter surface of the receiver bottom 283 of the fluid receiver 212Cillustrated in FIG. 4C). Yet alternatively, in embodiments that do notutilize a receiver retainer, one of the surfaces 2201, 2202 can be anysurface upon which the receiver or receiver assembly is mounted.

The cancellation feature 2203 as illustrated and described in detailherein inhibits the reuse of the receiver or receiver assembly, e.g.,within the receiver retainer. More specifically, through use, the secondcancellation member 2205 moves from a pre-engaged configuration (asillustrated in FIG. 22A) to a post-engaged configuration (as illustratedin FIG. 22C) that is different from the pre-engaged configuration.Stated in another fashion, the second cancellation member 2205 movesfrom the pre-engaged configuration to an engaged configuration (asillustrated in FIG. 22B) that is different from the pre-engagedconfiguration, and subsequently to the post-engaged configuration thatis different than the pre-engaged configuration and the engagedconfiguration. As described in detail herein, the second cancellationmember 2205 moves from the pre-engaged configuration to the engagedconfiguration due to the selective engagement between the firstcancellation member 2204 and the second cancellation member 2205.Moreover, the second cancellation member 2205 automatically moves fromthe engaged configuration to the post-engaged configuration after thesecond cancellation member and the first cancellation member have beenselectively disengaged from one another.

When in the pre-engaged configuration, the second cancellation member2205 is configured to engage the first cancellation member 2204.Accordingly, in such configuration, the receiver or receiver assemblycan be effectively seated and used within the receiver retainer.Conversely, when in the post-engaged configuration, the secondcancellation member 2205 is inhibited from engaging the firstcancellation member 2204. Accordingly, in such configuration, thereceiver or receiver assembly is inhibited from being effectively seatedand used within the receiver retainer.

Additionally, it should be noted that although the cancellation feature2203 is described herein as being useful as part of the pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly, such description is not intended to be limitingin any fashion, and the cancellation feature can be usable in otherdisciplines or industries. For example, the cancellation feature 2203can be used with a medical waste disposal assembly, an industrial wastedisposal assembly, or another suitable assembly, where there is a desireto limit reuse of one or more of the assembly elements.

The design of the first cancellation member 2204 can be varied to suitthe specific design requirements of the cancellation feature 2203 and/orthe pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly. As illustrated in thisembodiment, the first cancellation member 2204 can include a firstmember base 2204A and a first member node 2204B.

As illustrated in FIG. 22A, the first member base 2204A is secured toand/or is integrally formed with the first surface 2201. Additionally,the first member base 2204A has a substantially flat, planar,rectangular shape that can be substantially centrally positioned alongthe first surface 2201. Alternatively, the first member base 2204A canhave another suitable shape and/or orientation, and/or the first memberbase 2204A can be positioned along a different portion of the firstsurface 2201.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 22A, the first member node 2204B issecured to and/or is integrally formed with the first member base 2204A,and the first member node 2204B can cantilever away from the firstmember base 2204A and/or away from the first surface 2201.Alternatively, in one embodiment, the first cancellation member 2204 canomit the first member base 2204A. In such embodiment, the first membernode 2204B can be secured to and/or be integrally formed with the firstsurface 2201 and the first member node 2204B can cantilever away fromthe first surface 2201.

Further, in this embodiment, the first member node 2204B has a generallyrectangular-shape cross-section that is received by a portion of thesecond cancellation member 2205. Alternatively, the first member node2204B can have a different shape.

Still further, the first cancellation member 2204 can be formed from anysuitably durable materials. In one embodiment, the first cancellationmember 2204 can be formed from a durable injection-molded plasticmaterial. Alternatively, the first cancellation member 2204 can beformed from fiberglass, glass, ceramic, various metals, a compositematerial, or a combination thereof, as non-exclusive examples.

The design of the second cancellation member 2205 can be varied to suitthe specific design requirements of the cancellation feature 2203. Asillustrated in FIG. 22A, the second cancellation member 2205 can includea second member body 2206 having a second member aperture 2207.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 22A, the second member body 2206 issecured to and/or is integrally formed with the second surface 2202.Additionally, in this embodiment, the second member body 2206 has agenerally rectangular shape and includes a front 2206F and a pluralityof sides, e.g., a first side 2206A, a second side 2206B, a third side2206C and a fourth side 2206D, although the second member body 2206 canhave greater than or fewer than four sides. Moreover, as shown, thesecond member body 2206 can be substantially centrally positioned alongthe second surface 2202. Alternatively, the second member body 2206 canhave another suitable shape and/or orientation, and/or the second memberbody 2206 can be positioned along a different portion of the secondsurface 2202.

It should be noted that the use of the terms “first side”, “secondside”, “third side” and “fourth side” is merely for ease of discussionand is not intended to be limiting in any manner, and any sides can beequally referred to as the first side, the second side, the third sideand/or the fourth side.

The second member aperture 2207 extends through the front 2206F of thesecond member body 2206. When the second cancellation member 2205 is inthe pre-engaged configuration, the second member aperture 2207 isadapted to receive a portion of the first cancellation member 2204. Inparticular, as shown, the second member aperture 2207 can be generallyrectangular-shaped to effectively receive the first member node 2204B ofthe first cancellation member 2204. Moreover, when the secondcancellation member 2205 is in the pre-engaged configuration, the firstmember node 2204B can extend partially or fully through the secondmember aperture 2207 and can extend into a body recess 2309 (illustratedin FIG. 238) that is formed in the second member body 2206. Accordingly,in this configuration, the second cancellation member 2205 canselectively engage the first cancellation member 2204, and, thus, thereceiver can be effectively seated and used within the receiverretainer. In alternative embodiments, the second member aperture 2207can have another suitable shape.

Additionally, the second cancellation member 2205 can be formed from anysuitably durable materials. In one embodiment, the second cancellationmember 2205 can be formed from a durable injection-molded plasticmaterial. Alternatively, the second cancellation member 2205 can beformed from fiberglass, glass, ceramic, various metals, a compositematerial, or a combination thereof, as non-exclusive examples.

FIG. 22B is a side view of the first surface 2201, the second surface2202 and the cancellation feature 2203 illustrated in FIG. 22A. Further,as illustrated in FIG. 22B, the second cancellation member 2205 of thecancellation feature 2203 is in an engaged configuration. Stated anotherway, as shown in FIG. 22B, the second cancellation member 2205 isengaged with the first cancellation member 2204 with the first membernode 2204B (illustrated in phantom) extending partially or fully throughthe second member aperture 2207 (illustrated in FIG. 22A) and extendinginto the body recess 2309 (illustrated in FIG. 238) that is formed bythe second member body 2206. Additionally, in one embodiment, in theengaged configuration the first member base 2204A contacts the secondmember body 2206.

As utilized herein, the term “engaged”, “engaging” or “engagement” isdefined as enabling the first member node 2204B to extend through thesecond member aperture 2207 and into the body recess 2309 such that thefirst surface 2201 is stably and sturdily positioned substantiallyadjacent to the second surface 2202. In such a configuration, thereceiver or receiver assembly can be effectively and stably seated andused within the receiver retainer. Accordingly, if the secondcancellation member 2205 is inhibited from engaging the firstcancellation member 2204, the first member node 2204B cannot extendthrough the second member aperture 2207 and into the body recess 2309,and the first surface 2201 cannot be stably and sturdily positionedsubstantially adjacent to the second surface 2202.

FIG. 22C is another perspective view of the first surface 2201, thesecond surface 2202 and the cancellation feature 2203 illustrated inFIG. 22A. As illustrated in FIG. 22C, the second cancellation member2205 of the cancellation feature 2203 is in a post-engagedconfiguration.

As shown in FIG. 22C, the second cancellation member 2205 includes avalve 2208. In one embodiment, when the second cancellation member 2205is in the post-engaged configuration, the valve 2208 is positioned toinhibit the first member node 22045 from extending fully through thesecond member aperture 2207. Moreover, when the second cancellationmember 2205 is in the post-engaged configuration, the valve 2208inhibits the first member node 22045 from extending into the body recess2309 (illustrated in FIG. 235) that is formed in the second member body2206. Accordingly, in this configuration, the second cancellation member2205 is inhibited such that it can no longer effectively engage thefirst cancellation member 2204. Thus, the receiver or receiver assemblyis inhibited from being effectively seated and used within the receiverretainer and the user is inhibited from reusing the receiver or receiverassembly within the receiver retainer because the retainer can wobble orotherwise be unstable relative to the receiver retainer. In oneembodiment, the valve 2208 can be relatively dark in color, e.g., black,such that it is easily visible to the user when the second cancellationmember 2205 is in the post-engaged configuration. With this design, theuser can easily identify that the receiver or receiver assembly haspreviously been used and should not be reused. Alternatively, the valve2208 can have another suitable distinguishing color or indicia.

FIG. 23A is a front elevation view of the second cancellation member2205 illustrated in FIG. 22A, with the second cancellation member 2205in the pre-engaged configuration. More specifically, FIG. 23Aillustrates the second member body 2206 and the second member aperture2207 of the second cancellation member 2205, with the second memberaperture 2207 extending through the front 2206F of the second memberbody 2206. In this embodiment, in the pre-engaged configuration, thesecond member aperture 2207 can effectively receive the first membernode 2204B (illustrated in FIG. 22A) of the first cancellation member2204 (illustrated in FIG. 22A). Accordingly, the second cancellationmember 2205 can engage the first cancellation member 2204 so that thereceiver or receiver assembly can be effectively seated and used withinthe receiver retainer.

FIG. 236 is a rear elevation view of the second cancellation member 2205illustrated in FIG. 22A, with the second cancellation member 2205 in thepre-engaged configuration. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 236,the second member body 2206 includes the first side 2206A, the secondside 2206B, the third side 2206C and the fourth side 2206D thatcooperate with the front 2206F (illustrated in FIG. 23A) to form thebody recess 2309 or cavity. FIG. 23B illustrates that the secondcancellation member 2205 can further include a blocker 2311, the valve2208, and a resilient member 2313.

In this embodiment, the body recess 2309 is generally rectangular-shapedand is somewhat smaller than the outer dimensions of the second memberbody 2206. Alternatively, the body recess 2309 can have another suitableshape. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23B, the body recess 2309is sized and shaped so that the blocker 2311, the valve 2208 and theresilient member 2313 are positioned substantially within the bodyrecess 2309. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 238, the second member body 2206can basically have a substantially rectangular shaped shell that can bepartially or fully open along the back edge. Alternatively, the secondmember body 2206 can further include a back side such that the blocker2311, the valve 2208 and/or the resilient member 2313 can be positionedsubstantially within the second member body 2206.

In one embodiment, the blocker 2311 can be a substantially rectangularshaped block that is positioned within the body recess 2309 adjacent tothe first side 2206A, the second side 2206B and the fourth side 2206D ofthe second member body 2206. When the second cancellation member 2205 isin the pre-engaged configuration, the blocker 2311 can be positionedsubstantially between the valve 2208 and the first side 2206A of thesecond member body 2206. Thus blocker 2311 can block the valve 2208 frommoving toward the first side 2206A of the second body member 2206, wherethe valve 2208 would otherwise function to inhibit access to the bodyrecess 2309 by the first member node 2204B (illustrated in FIG. 22A). Incertain alternative embodiments, the blocker 2311 can have anothersuitable shape, and/or the blocker 2311 can have a different relativepositioning within the body recess 2309 from that illustrated in FIG.23B.

In one embodiment, the valve 2208 is a substantially rectangular shapedblock that is secured to the resilient member 2313 and positioned withinthe body recess 2309 substantially between the blocker 2311 and theresilient member 2313. The valve 2208 can extend substantially fullybetween the second side 2206B and the fourth side 2206D of the secondmember body 2206. In certain alternative embodiments, the valve 2208 canhave another suitable shape and/or the valve 2208 can have a differentrelative positioning within the body recess 2309.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 23B, the resilient member 2313 canbe secured to and can extend between the valve 2208 and the third side2206C of the second member body 2206. Further, when the secondcancellation member 2205 is in the pre-engaged configuration, theresilient member 2313 can be compressed to maintain the valve 2208 incontact with the blocker 2311.

FIG. 23C is a cross-sectional view of the second cancellation member2205 taken on line 23C-23C in FIG. 23A. In particular, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 23C, when the second cancellation member 2205 is inthe pre-engaged configuration, the blocker 2311 is positioned adjacentto the front 2206F of the second member body 2206 and the second memberaperture 2207.

In one embodiment, the blocker 2311 can move away from the front 2206Fand the second member aperture 2207 via contact between the blocker 2311and the first member node 2204B. Accordingly, engagement between thefirst cancellation member 2204 (illustrated in FIG. 22A) and the secondcancellation member 2205, i.e. extending of the first member node 2204Bthrough the second member aperture 2207 and into the body recess 2309,initiates contact between the first member node 2204B and the blocker2311. This contact results in movement of the blocker 2311 away from thefront 2206F and the second member aperture 2207. In FIG. 23C, movementof the blocker 2311 is illustrated by arrow 2311A. Following thismovement, of the blocker 2311, the blocker 2311 is no longer positionedto block the valve 2208 from moving toward the first side 2206A of thesecond body member 2206. Further, when the blocker 2311 no longer blocksmovement of the valve 2208, the resilient member 2313 pushes the valve2208 in the direction of arrow 2208A, i.e. away from the third side2206C and toward the first side 2206A of the second member body 2206, asillustrated in FIG. 23C. Moreover, when the blocker 2311 has been movedaway from the front 2206F and the second member aperture 2207 (as shownby arrow 2311A) such that the blocker 2311 is no longer blocking thevalve 2208 from being toward the first side 2206A of the second memberbody 2206, and when the resilient member 2313 initially pushes the valve2208 away from the third side 2206C and toward the first side 2206A ofthe second member body 2206 (as shown by arrow 2208A), the secondcancellation member 2205 is now in the engaged configuration.

In one embodiment, when the first cancellation member 2204 is engagedwith the second cancellation member 2205 so that the first member node2204B extends through the second member aperture 2207 and into the bodyrecess 2309, i.e. when the second cancellation member is in the engagedconfiguration, the resilient member 2313 pushes the valve 2208 a smalldistance so that the valve 2208 is in contact with the first member node2204B. Moreover, this small movement of the valve 2208 inhibits theblocker 2311 from returning toward the front 2206F of the second memberbody 2206 when the first member node 2204B is removed from the secondmember aperture 2207. Thus, when the first member node 2204B is removedfrom the body recess 2309 and/or from the second member aperture 2207,i.e. when the first cancellation member 2204 and the second cancellationmember 2205 are disengaged from one another, the resilient member 2313pushes the valve 2208 more fully toward the first side 2206A of thesecond member body 2206 so that the valve 2208 is positioned adjacent tothe second member aperture 2207. Stated in another fashion, when thefirst cancellation member 2204 and the second cancellation member 2205are disengaged from one another, the second cancellation memberautomatically moves from the engaged configuration to the post-engagedconfiguration.

FIG. 24A is a front elevation view of the second cancellation member2205 illustrated in FIG. 22A, with the second cancellation member 2205in the post-engaged configuration. More specifically, FIG. 24Aillustrates the second member body 2206 and the second member aperture2207 of the second cancellation member 2205. In the post-engagedconfiguration, the valve 2208 is positioned to inhibit the first membernode 2204B (illustrated in FIG. 22A) from extending through the secondmember aperture 2207 and extending into the body recess 2309(illustrated in FIG. 24B). In this configuration, the secondcancellation member 2205 is inhibited from engaging the firstcancellation member 2204. Thus, the receiver or receiver assembly isinhibited from being effectively seated and used within the receiverretainer.

FIG. 24B is a rear elevation view of the second cancellation member 2205illustrated in FIG. 22A, with the second cancellation member 2205 in thepost-engaged configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 24B, when the secondcancellation member 2205 is in the post-engaged configuration, theblocker 2311 has been moved so that the blocker 2311 is no longerpositioned between the valve 2208 and the first side 2206A of the secondmember body 2206. Thus, the resilient member 2313 moves the valve 2208toward the first side 2206A of the second member body 2206 asillustrated in FIG. 24C.

FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional view of the second cancellation member2205 taken on line C-C in FIG. 24A. In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 24C, when the second cancellation member 2205 is in thepost-engaged configuration, the blocker 2311 has been moved along thefirst side 2206A of the second member body 2206 and the valve 2208 hasbeen moved along the front 2204B of the second member body 2206 so thatthe valve 2208 is positioned adjacent to the second member aperture2207.

With the valve 2208 positioned adjacent to the second member aperture2207, and the valve 2208 effectively held in that position due to thepressure exerted on the valve 2208 by the resilient member 2313, thefirst member node 2204B is inhibited from extending fully through thesecond member aperture 2207 and extending, into the body recess 2309.Accordingly, as noted above, the second cancellation member 2205 isinhibited from engaging the first cancellation member 2204 (illustratedin FIG. 22A). Thus, the receiver or receiver assembly is inhibited frombeing effectively seated and used within the receiver retainer.

It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly 10 have been illustrated anddescribed herein, one or more features of any one embodiment can becombined with one or more features of one or more of the otherembodiment, provided that such combination satisfies the intent of thepresent invention.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments of a pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly 10 have been discussed above, those of skill inthe art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additionsand sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that thefollowing appended claims and claims hereafter introduced areinterpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additionsand sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical waste disposal assemblycomprising: a waste receiver that receives pharmaceutical waste, thewaste receiver including a radio frequency identification tag that isconfigured to transmit a radio frequency signal that identifies thewaste receiver.
 2. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 1further comprising a receiver retainer that selectively receives thewaste receiver, the radio frequency identification tag being configuredto transmit the radio frequency signal that is usable to track alocation of the waste receiver regardless of whether or not the wastereceiver is positioned within the receiver retainer.
 3. Thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 1 further comprising anidentification reader that is configured to read the radio frequencysignal to track a location of the waste receiver.
 4. The pharmaceuticalwaste disposal assembly of claim 3 further comprising a receiverretainer that selectively receives the waste receiver, theidentification reader being positioned remotely from the waste receiverand the receiver retainer.
 5. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assemblyof claim 1 further comprising a receiver retainer that selectivelyretains the waste receiver, the receiver retainer including anidentification reader that reads the radio frequency signal to identifythe waste receiver, and wherein the identification reader is configuredto store information from the radio frequency signal that inhibits useof the waste receiver following removal from and repositioning into thereceiver retainer.
 6. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising a receiver retainer that selectively retainsthe waste receiver, and a receiver indicator that generates a removalalert signal when it is appropriate to remove the waste receiver fromthe receiver retainer.
 7. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly ofclaim 1 further comprising a receiver retainer that selectively retainsthe waste receiver, and a receiver indicator that generates a reusealert signal when a previously removed waste receiver is repositionedinto the receiver retainer.
 8. The pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly of claim 1 further comprising a receiver retainer thatselectively retains the waste receiver, and a timer activator thatautomatically activates a timer when the waste receiver is positionedwithin the receiver retainer.
 9. The pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly of claim 8 further comprising a receiver indicator thatgenerates a removal alert signal when it is appropriate to remove thewaste receiver from the receiver retainer.
 10. The pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly of claim 9 wherein the removal alert signal isgenerated when the timer indicates that the waste receiver has beenpositioned within the receiver retainer for a predetermined length oftime.
 11. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 1 whereinthe radio frequency identification tag is an active identification tagthat is configured to autonomously transmit the radio frequency signal.12. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 1 wherein theradio frequency identification tag is a passive identification tag thatrequires an external source to provoke transmission of the radiofrequency signal.
 13. A pharmaceutical waste disposal assemblycomprising: a waste receiver that receives pharmaceutical waste, thewaste receiver including a radio frequency identification tag that isconfigured to transmit a radio frequency signal; and an identificationreader that is configured to read the radio frequency signal to identifythe waste receiver.
 14. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly ofclaim 13 further comprising a receiver retainer that selectivelyreceives the waste receiver, the identification reader being configuredto read the radio frequency signal to track a location of the wastereceiver regardless of whether or not the waste receiver is positionedwithin the receiver retainer.
 15. The pharmaceutical waste disposalassembly of claim 13 further comprising a receiver retainer thatselectively retains the waste receiver, the identification reader beingpositioned substantially within the receiver retainer, and wherein theidentification reader is configured to store information from the radiofrequency signal that inhibits use of the waste receiver followingremoval from and repositioning into the receiver retainer.
 16. Thepharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 15 further comprising areceiver indicator that generates a removal alert signal when it isappropriate to remove the waste receiver from the receiver retainer. 17.The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly of claim 13 furthercomprising a receiver retainer that selectively retains the wastereceiver, and a receiver indicator that generates a reuse alert signalwhen a previously removed waste receiver is repositioned into thereceiver retainer.
 18. The pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly ofclaim 13 further comprising (i) a receiver retainer that selectivelyretains the waste receiver, the identification reader being positionedsubstantially within the receiver retainer, (ii) a timer activator thatautomatically activates a timer when the waste receiver is positionedwithin the receiver retainer, and (iii) a receiver indicator thatgenerates a removal alert signal when it is appropriate to remove thewaste receiver from the receiver retainer.
 19. The pharmaceutical wastedisposal assembly of claim 18 wherein the removal alert signal isgenerated when the timer indicates that the waste receiver has beenpositioned within the receiver retainer for a predetermined length oftime.
 20. A pharmaceutical waste disposal assembly comprising: a wastereceiver that receives pharmaceutical waste, the waste receiverincluding a radio frequency identification tag that is configured totransmit a radio frequency signal; a receiver retainer that selectivelyreceives the waste receiver; a timer activator that automaticallyactivates a timer when the waste receiver is positioned within thereceiver retainer; an identification reader that is configured to readthe radio frequency signal to perform one of (i) tracking a location ofthe waste receiver regardless of whether or not the waste receiver ispositioned within the receiver retainer; (ii) storing information fromthe radio frequency signal that inhibits use of the waste receiverfollowing removal from and repositioning into the receiver retainer; and(iii) identifying when it is appropriate to remove the waste receiverfrom the receiver retainer; and a receiver indicator that (i) generatesa removal alert signal when it is appropriate to remove the wastereceiver from the receiver retainer, and (ii) generates a reuse alertsignal when a previously removed waste receiver is repositioned withinthe receiver retainer.